Jan. 20, 2026, 6:55 a.m. CT
Much of the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff is set for a busy stretch as the college football postseason gets underway. With bowl season upon us, several Saints assistants will take part in all-star events, helping evaluate and mentor draft-eligible prospects ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Among them is Saints assistant linebackers coach Adam Gristick, who will lead the linebacker group for the West squad at the annual East-West Shrine Bowl. Gristick will have the opportunity to work closely with a group of intriguing prospects, headlined by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday, a projected Day 2 selection in this year’s draft.
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Golday brings an imposing frame similar to that of Saints fourth-round pick Danny Stutsman. An exceptional athlete with true sideline-to-sideline range, Golday possesses high-end traits that are sure to draw attention from NFL front offices — including New Orleans. His blend of size, movement skills, and physicality makes him one of the more intriguing linebackers participating in the event.
While Golday figures to be the marquee name in the room, Gristick will also have the chance to coach several under-the-radar prospects who could elevate their draft stock with a strong week of practices.
Here’s a full list of the linebacker prospects for the West:
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.LB Jake Golday, Cincinnati (62)LB Eric Gentry, USC (207)LB Karson Sharar, Iowa (294)LB Jimmy Rolder, Michigan (774)LB Jackson Kuwatch, Miami-Ohio (UR)LB Wesley Bissainthe, Miami (UR)
Linebacker quietly looms as a potential area of need for the Saints this offseason. Demario Davis — the 37-year-old cornerstone of the defense — is set to hit free agency, and uncertainty remains behind him. Pete Werner’s year-to-year inconsistency and the promising yet unproven outlook of Stutsman leave the position in a state of limbo, even if Davis were to return. Armed with eight selections in the upcoming draft, New Orleans would be wise to invest at the position at some point over the three-day event.
The 2026 East-West Shrine Bowl will kick off on Tuesday, Jan.27, at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas — the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility. The game will be nationally televised on NFL Network at 6:00 p.m. CT.