One Vikings Rookie Comes With an Unusual Warning

Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images This year’s Vikings draft class is headlined by boom-or-bust prospect Caleb Banks , who has all the size and athleticism in the world but lacks the college production and has significant injury concerns. After his selection, the franchise adjusted its strategy and picked players who appeared safer. With the second-round pick, the club acquired Cincinnati’s linebacker Jake Golday.

An intriguing college player with experience on the edge and as an off-ball linebacker is just the athlete Brian Flores can unlock at the next level. His role in the new defense remains a mystery. He might just sneak into the lineup as an off-ball linebacker, such as Blake Cashman, but some have likened him to pass-rusher Andrew Van Ginkel and could see him thrive in a hybrid role.

Oct 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) is unable to hold on to a catch as he is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) and defensive back Tre Gola-Callard (6) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Regardless, Golday, like all rookies, isn’t a sure thing. The draft is a lottery and even prospects that are labeled “generational” can fail.

Golday’s former coach doesn’t foresee him failing, however. Alec Lewis of The Athletic shared an anecdote : Cort Braswell, the linebackers coach at Cincinnati, said one NFL linebackers coach asked him an interesting question during the draft evaluation process: “If I come back here in five years, and Jake Golday didn’t make it, why would that be? ” Braswell paused.