Jake Golday Draft Grade | Round 2, Pick 19 | FanVerdicts

C+

Top 48% — above averagePick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Slight Reach

Position

LB · Value Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #57 · Day 2 Value

Jake Golday emerged as one of the Big 12's most versatile linebackers during his three-year stint at Cincinnati, developing from a rotational player into a defensive stalwart. His draft stock has steadily climbed thanks to exceptional instincts, reliable tackling technique, and the ability to impact games in multiple phases. Golday excels as a traditional run-stopping linebacker while showing enough coverage ability to handle modern NFL passing concepts. His football IQ and leadership qualities make him an attractive option for teams seeking immediate starter potential with room for continued growth.

Strengths

+Exceptional run recognition and gap integrity allow him to diagnose plays quickly and fill running lanes with authority, rarely getting caught out of position.

+Outstanding tackling fundamentals with excellent form technique, consistently wrapping up ball carriers and limiting yards after contact through proper leverage.

+High football IQ evidenced by his ability to make pre-snap adjustments and communicate defensive alignments effectively to teammates in both base and nickel packages.

+Impressive closing speed to the football allows him to make tackles sideline-to-sideline and pursue plays from the backside with consistent effort.

+Solid coverage ability in short zones and when matched up against tight ends, showing adequate hip fluidity and the instincts to break on underneath routes.

+Strong hands and natural ball skills result in consistent pass breakups and the ability to capitalize on turnover opportunities when they present themselves.

+Excellent durability and availability throughout his college career, missing minimal time due to injury while maintaining high-level performance consistency.

+Natural leadership qualities and team-first mentality make him a vocal presence in the huddle and during practice sessions.

+Versatile skill set allows him to play multiple linebacker positions within various defensive schemes, from 3-4 outside to 4-3 middle linebacker roles.

+Strong work ethic and coachability have led to steady improvement in all phases of his game throughout his college tenure.

+Physical presence at the point of attack with enough strength to take on lead blockers and shed blocks effectively in run support situations.

Weaknesses

-Limited top-end speed becomes exposed when asked to cover slot receivers or running backs on wheel routes in space, particularly on third-and-long situations.

-Pass rushing ability is underdeveloped, lacking refined hand techniques and counter moves necessary to consistently generate pressure as a blitzer.

-Occasionally struggles with coverage responsibilities in complex route combinations, showing some confusion when offenses utilize pick plays or crossing patterns.

-Size limitations may prevent him from matching up effectively against larger tight ends and fullbacks in short-yardage situations.

-Tendency to over-pursue on misdirection plays and counter runs, sometimes allowing cutback lanes when aggressive pursuit angles are taken.

-Change of direction skills are adequate but not exceptional, potentially limiting his effectiveness against elite-level skill position players in one-on-one situations.

-Limited special teams experience could require additional development time to contribute meaningfully on coverage units early in his professional career.

-Needs to improve his ability to disengage from blocks when offensive linemen reach the second level, occasionally getting washed out of plays.

NFL Comparison: Blake Martinez

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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