Jake Golday: Panthers' Draft Target

It's March 17th for the NFL, let's get into it.

With free agency underway, the Carolina Panthers are turning their eyes to the 2026 NFL

draft.

This week, we're spotlighting Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday as a prospect

they might target.

At 6'4 and 239 pounds, he's got the size and speed that stand out in this class.

Golday's story is one of pure determination.

He started as a no-star recruit, red-shirting as Central Arkansas, before exploding with

84 tackles in his sophomore year.

After transferring to Cincinnati, he dominated in 2025 with 105 tackles, showing he's

among the top linebackers available.

Fans and scouts love his relentless motor and athletic tools, like a 4.6 240 yard dash

and a 39 inch vertical.

He's a short tackler, strong against blocks from his defensive end days, and covers ground

well in past defense, making life tough for quarterbacks.

That said, he's only got one full year as an off-ball linebacker, so zone coverage and

reading runs need work.

He's raw in those mental spots, but his physical gifts suggest room to grow into a three-down

player.

Meanwhile, the Panthers just signed Devin Lloyd to bolster the position.

Golday could start on special teams, learn from Lloyd, and challenge Trevin Wallace for

a starting spot down the line.

We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible.

Headphones and a pillow.

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