In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings surprised many, as they selected Caleb Banks, a defensive tackle out of Florida, with the 18th overall pick. While this is a major position of need, fans were upset by Banks' lengthy injury history.

The Vikings would trade down from 49 to 51, picking up pick 159 in exchange for 196. With the 51st pick, the Vikings drafted Jake Golday, a linebacker out of Cincinnati. Golday has great measurable numbers at 6'4 ", 240 lbs, and the stats to prove he's productive.

Last season for the Bearcats, he totaled 104 total tackles, including 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Golday joins a linebacker group that contains re-signed Eric Wilson, Blake Cashman, and Andrew Van Ginkel. This veteran group will be great for his development, as he will likely serve as a rotational piece early on.

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: Vikings select LB Jake Golday 51st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft