The Minnesota Vikings continued to strengthen their defense during the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday with the 51st overall pick in the second round.
Earlier in the draft, the Vikings had already added Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks with the 18th overall pick in Round 1. To secure the selection of Golday, Minnesota traded down from the 49th to the 51st pick with the Carolina Panthers.
Golday earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2025, leading the Cincinnati Bearcats with 105 tackles. His performance marked the first time a Cincinnati player recorded over 100 tackles in a season since current Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. achieved the feat in 2022.
The Vikings are set to make two additional selections in the third round later in the evening.
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