The Kansas City Chiefs need to add linebacker depth in the 2025 NFL draft to replace upcoming free agent Nick Bolton. The team’s current linebacker room can fill Bolton’s role in the short-term, but the Chiefs should look for some developmental options.
Cincinnati Bearcats standout Jake Golday is a tall 6’4″, 240 lb. linebacker with room on his frame to add weight. The Bearcats primarily line him up in the slot as a nickel or overhang defender. He plays mostly zone coverage from this alignment and occasionally blitzes. The Chiefs don’t need an overhang defender but can mold Golday’s physical tools to play him as a stacked linebacker.
Golday’s burst and straight-line speed stand out on tape. He triggers downhill quickly to attack short routes or make plays in the run game. His speed and high motor make him an effective pursuit-style linebacker. Golday delivers powerful hits as a tackler and finishes plays with good intensity.
Golday’s limited play strength impacts his ability to stack and shed blocks. He plays with the right demeanor in run defense but often finds himself stuck on blocks or displaced downfield.
Golday plays a limited coverage role in Cincinnati’s defense. He will take on a larger coverage menu at the NFL level, relying on his speed and range until his instincts catch up.
The Bearcats close their regular season at home with a game against the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. CST. Cincinnati needs to win to become eligible for a bowl game.