Should the Cincinnati Bengals Draft UC LB Jake Golday? Bengals On The Brain Episode 245
In this episode of Bengals On The Brain, presented by First Star Logistics, Joe Goodberry dives deep into the game film of University of Cincinnati (UC) linebacker Jake Golday vs. the Kansas Jayhawks. As the Cincinnati Bengals eye defensive reinforcements in the upcoming NFL Draft, Joe explores whether the local standout is the right fit for the team on Day 2.
While the Bengals have needs at tight end, guard, and wide receiver, Joe emphasizes bolstering the defense. With a deep class of edge rushers, cornerbacks, and linebackers, the second and third rounds offer a prime opportunity to find high-impact starters. Joe highlights Golday as a prospect who has caught the Bengals’ eye, noting his local ties and versatile skill set.
Joe compares Golday to former Wisconsin linebacker Leo Chenal, suggesting that while Golday is still developing his instincts at linebacker, his ceiling is incredibly high.
While some buzz suggests Golday could go as high as pick 41, Joe believes he is a “worthy third-round pick.” His combination of size, versatility, and special teams potential makes him an ideal fit for the Bengals’ multiple defensive fronts.
What do you think of Jake Golday? Should the Bengals pull the trigger on the UC linebacker in Round 3? Let us know in the comments below!
#Bengals #CincinnatiBengals #NFLDraft #JakeGolday #UCBearcats #WhoDey #BengalsOnTheBrain #JoeGoodberry
18 comments
He is basically Leo Chenal. The projections are almost identical. Leo was a bad tackler his first year then elite every year after: 12% then 4% missed tackle rate the last 3 years. Mind you his bad was better than any of the quad: Knight, Carter, Stone, Battle.
In my mock draft I always select Golday in the 3rd (72) every time if we don’t get lucky and have Sonny Styles fall to 10. I usually go edge or corner in round 2.
He has to be the pick in round 3 the latest, maybe day 2. Would love to lock up Sadiq, Golday, Haulcy, Slaughter with the first 4 picks.
TE & WR is the deepest class ever. Top Qb's & OT's like 4 players is about as far as their brains can go I think. I love to get a TE & maybe a late Wr like 6th or 7th even. I think Eric Al could be awsome, I'm rooting on him for sure. It be nice to have 2 do it all guys for the run game. We use them quite a bit in receiving game.
Golday replaces Carter. The 3-4 D with Mafe, Allen, Slaton, BJ, Myles as the front and Golday and Knight as ILBs
This will be the pick at 41
My concern is the Bengals weren’t in on Chenal, and therefore won’t be in on Golday
Rodriguez > Golday any day of the week although Im fine with Golday in the 3rd.
They should Gold but I want the Alpha from the defense that Gold played on. I want Dante Corleone Defensive tackle!!! He immediately helps in run defense especially short yardage!! Something we’ve not had EVER on our defensive line!!! Alpha Dog Donte Corleone
Trade up for Bain, Reese, or Styles. It don't matter how many solid players we have on D. We still need our game wrecker. If we trade up for Bain the rest of the picks don't matter. We need hyper focus on the next 3 years. 2030 is meaningless.
I think he's more of a 41 pick. His athletisimn, speed & and measurables, I think will get him drafted before our 3rd. I really like him I like Rodriguez a little more. There's a lot of LB's in that range similar body types so could prolly take your pick. If OSU DT McDonald made it to us at 41 I would run that pick up so fast !!! There is prolly some other guys like that. LB feels like we need a starter though Carter will prolly be better but he couldn't tackle in space & that is scary & maybe isn't very fixable. I would try to trade next picks to get another 2nd or 2. I like Ponds also but think he has better chance to make it 2 the 3rd. DJ Turner could fly & went late 2nd because od size !!! Ponds could make it & Davis is much better then Carter was last yr at least.
HAS TO BE AT 72.FOR GOLDAY
RODRIQUEZ WONT MAKE 72.
This guy in 3rd rd. No brainer. Maybe not on 2nd depending who's there. But 3rd 100%.
Only draft Golday if Rodriguez is not there, or in addition to him.
It's it pretty much impossible for this guy to be here when we draft.
I wouldn't be mad at a Theineman, Golday, Corleone draft. (Obviously, it's possible to get Golday and Corleone in the 3rd and 4th rounds but FAR from a guarantee).
Cooks in good, but I'd definitely like to see a third Safety, especially to put pressure on Battle. (Certainly you take downs if he drops, but i don't think anyone actually expects that).
I think Knight Jr will progress and be a solid starter, but I don't see Carter being more than a Davis-Gaither replacement (which is fine, Davis-Gaither was valuable off the bench and on special teams). – There may be "better" LBs but Golday has a ton of potential. I like a swing on potential in the second – the first round should be on an expected legit starter where the second you can take a safe gamble on a guy with huge potential.
Jackson is done on the DL, I don't expect any growth from him. Time to look for another young inside guy for that room, Corleone looks like a legit run stopper to pair with Jenkins (hoping he takes another step toward being a legit replacement for Hill – who is a legit good DT, just not flashy or a sack guy).
Plus, you get that home, fan boost, from Golday and Corleone from UC.
would love to see a breakdown of Jacob Rodriguez