Searching for defensive reinforcements, the Cincinnati Bengals evaluate a promising linebacker prospect ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2026 NFL Draft looking for answers following a 6-11 season in which the defense ranked 30th in total defense and allowed 28.9 points per game. The unit struggled across all levels, particularly against the run and in coverage at linebacker. While Rookie linebackers Barrett Carter and Demetrius Knight Jr. showed flashes of brilliance, they were inconsistent in gap discipline and coverage.
Free agency has addressed parts of the defense. Cincinnati added Boye Mafe on the edge, defensive lineman Jonathan Allen and Bryan Cook at safety, but the linebacker group has yet to receive notable reinforcements. The current linebacker depth, which features Knight King, Carter, Oren Burks, Shaka Heyward, Joe Giles-Harris, and Liam Anderson, relies heavily on rotational-caliber players, with no established three-down presence. It’s safe to assume that the Bengals will be looking to add a potential starting linebacker, and what better place to find one than a talented draft class?
Cincinnati holds eight picks: No. 10, 41, 72, 110, 189, 199, 221 and 226. With these assets, the Bengals have enough to land a solid prospect that could develop into
Jake Golday visit and linebacker evaluation
According to Jeremy Fowler, linebacker Jake Golday has scheduled visits with the Bengals, Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.
Golday, who played at Cincinnati after transferring from Central Arkansas, produced 105 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and 3 passes defended in 2025, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors.
At the combine in March, Golday recorded a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot-5 broad jump. A 6-foot-4½ and 239 pounds prospect, he brings size and range that can translate to multiple linebacker roles.
Golday plays downhill, uses his hands effectively at the point of attack and closes space quickly. He is effective in run defense and as a blitzer, where his timing and acceleration create disruption. His production and testing indicate a player capable of contributing in early-down and sub-package roles.
Golday is widely projected in the Day 2 range, which means he could be picked at No. 41 by the Bengals. He could also compete for immediate snaps should the team fail to sign a veteran linebacker during the offseason.
At the moment, Cincinnati needs range, tackling efficiency and physical presence at linebacker. Golday provides those traits along and his production suggests he could deliver against high-level competition.
The visit confirms the Bengals are at least interested in what Golday has to offer. But it remains to be seen if Cincinnati will add Golday to what is already shaping up to be a much improved defensive unit.