The Indianapolis Colts are slated to enter the NFL Draft with an opening at off-ball linebacker, but have a particular someone in mind to fill said void, ESPN’s Jordan Reid reports.
In his recent article, Reid shared some intel on all 32 NFL teams, and the Colts were naturally tied to adding at the linebacker position.
“I’d be stunned if they didn’t have linebacker at the top of their priority list in the second round,” a league source told Reid.
Indy’s depth chart at linebacker is currently devoid of experience, whether that be starting or professional experience in general. The Colts did secure a new starter at the position, Akeem Davis-Gaither, who was signed mid-March. His familiarity with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo suggests they’ll be able to pick up where they left off, but there’s still a long way to go in constructing a new look position room.
It’s not a surprise that fans, analysts, and executives alike are on the same page as far as the Colts’ needs and their subsequent priorities go. However, when it comes to which prospect the Colts will covet most, the hive mind falls apart.
According to Reid, a name has emerged from the pack of Day 2 prospects: Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday.
Specifically, the Colts are eyeing Golday with their second-round pick, 47th overall.
“He fits the prototype and qualities that the team has targeted at the position in past drafts,” Reid said.
Golday truly checks all the boxes that general manager Chris Ballard and Co. have looked for in linebackers, with his 9.85 relative athletic score standing out above the rest.
Golday led his team in tackles in his Senior season, totaling 105 tackles and adding 6 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 passes broken up, and a forced fumble.
I was able to speak with Golday during the media availability at the NFL Combine, and he mentioned how his transition from defensive end to linebacker “opened up a whole new love for the game.” He feels like his instincts are underrated, and he looks forward to proving that at the next level.
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