Jake Golday
Getty
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported linebacker Jake Golday has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Los Angeles Rams.
Linebacker isn’t the biggest need remaining on the Los Angeles Rams roster. But it’s a position the team could solidify during the 2026 NFL Draft.
A draft prospect that could help the Rams do that will visit with the team ahead of the draft in two weeks.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Thursday that Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday will see the Rams, along with the Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals on pre-draft visits.
“Golday projects as one of the top off-ball linebacker in the draft,” wrote Fowler.
Jeremy Fowler
Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday has pre-draft visits with the Rams, Vikings and Bengals, per source.
Golday projects as one of the top off-ball linebackers in the draft.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein raved about Golday’s athleticism and size.
“Golday is a big, explosive linebacker with a game best suited for work near the line of scrimmage,” wrote Zierlein. “Golday’s traits, explosiveness and field demeanor should make him an early special teams standout with the potential to eventually start at Sam or inside linebacker.”
Rams Hosting LB Jake Golday on NFL Pre-Draft Visit: Report
Jake Golday
GettyESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported linebacker Jake Golday has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Los Angeles Rams.
Golday is an intriguing pre-draft visitor for the Rams. Ironically, according to Fowler, the linebacker will also see a pair of teams who have head coaches from the Sean McVay coaching tree.
He appears to fit what McVay and his former coordinators are looking for in a linebacker.
Zierlein compared Golday to Pittsburgh Steelers and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Malik Harrison. Over six NFL seasons, Harrison has posted 215 combined tackles, including nine tackles for loss and two sacks.
Harrison has started 43 NFL games while also playing an intricate role on special teams.
Golday broke out for Cincinnati during the 2025 season. In 12 contests, he posted 105 combined tackles, including six for loss. He also had 3.5 sacks, three pass defenses and one forced fumble.
How Golday Could Fit With the Rams
Jake Golday
GettyJake Golday could be one of the top inside linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft.
NFL.com’s Dan Parr argued in March the Rams didn’t have any “glaring needs” on defense. Still, Parr identified linebacker as an area where the team could try to find an upgrade.
“The Rams could afford to get a bit more dynamic at off-ball linebacker if the opportunity presents itself,” wrote Parr.
Golday sounds like a long shot to start immediately. But he could contribute on special teams beginning as a rookie. Quite a few analysts also see Golday potentially developing into an every-down linebacker.
The Rams could take a chance on the Cincinnati product becoming a starter in either the second or third round.
“Golday is a high-level athlete and a potential three-down linebacker in the NFL because of his size (6’4″, 240 lbs), strength and athleticism,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder. “His biggest flaws can be chalked up to not having much experience playing off the ball.”
Golday played just 24 games at Cincinnati. Before that, he was an edge rusher at Central Arkansas in the FCS.
At the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Golday ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds with a 1.6 10-yard split. He also recorded a 39-inch vertical jump and 10-foot-5-inch broad jump.