2026 Draft: Linebacker

[mayoclinic]

NFL Draft Prospects Rams Fans Should Watch for CFB Week 6

While the Los Angeles Rams have played two games in five days against the Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers, the front office continues to work on how

www.si.com

Jake Golday might be a good 2nd round version of Arvell Reese.

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

I think I'm leaning Reese / Styles / Golday / Hill, in that order. CJ Allen more redundant with Spillane, otherwise would be up there.

 

[manxman2601]

I think I'm leaning Reese / Styles / Golday / Hill, in that order. CJ Allen more redundant with Spillane, otherwise would be up there.

That's a good list. I think I'm still in camp Jacob Rodriguez just for the value of a mid to late rounder. We disagree on the importance of linebacker (which is fine). I'd be absolutely fine with drafting Reese or Styles though for their upside. I need to watch Golday more.

 

[mayoclinic]

I need to watch Golday more.

James Foster really like Golday.

 

[Clonamery]

James Foster really like Golday.

He's really good in coverage and takes good angles to the ball (wherever it is).

 

[manxman2601]

I'm researching linebackers for my big board and something interesting I've just seen. Jake Golday has more total snaps lined up on the DL or in the slot than he does lined up as a traditional linebacker in the box currently:

DL - 63 snaps (as many as all 2024)
Slot - 81 snaps (253 total in 2024, more than in the box)
Box - 117 snaps

That's versatility.

 

[mayoclinic]

I believe Golday was moved to LB from DE.

Love his versatility. Fast becoming my backup option as an alpha LB.

 

[Clonamery]

I believe Golday was moved to LB from DE.

Love his versatility. Fast becoming my backup option as an alpha LB.

He's a Defensive Captain in the waiting.

 

[manxman2601]

It's not just Ohio State that have one of the best defenses in CFB but Oklahoma too.

Sammy Omosigho, LB, Oklahoma 6-1, 235

He's a true junior so may not declare.

PFF Grades

Coverage - 77
Run Defense - 83
Pass Rush - 65
Missed tackles - 1

Scouting Report: Summary​

Omosigho embodies the modern NFL linebacker prototype that defensive coordinators desperately seek - a rangy athlete who can handle every responsibility the position demands without creating personnel limitations. His combination of size, speed, and coverage background makes him invaluable in today's pass-heavy league where linebackers must cover tight ends and running backs while still providing legitimate run support. The versatility to play multiple linebacker positions gives him immediate roster flexibility while his special teams experience ensures early contributions.

His physical tools suggest he'll excel in defensive systems that require linebackers to cover significant ground, particularly in schemes that utilize pattern matching or ask linebackers to carry receivers vertically. Teams employing 3-4 defenses will love his ability to rush the passer from multiple alignments, while 4-3 systems can utilize his range at the MIKE position. The fact that he's still developing his instincts at the position means substantial upside remains, which should appeal to organizations with strong linebacker coaching staffs and patience for development.

Omosigho profiles as a solid Day 2 selection who could develop into a three-down linebacker within his first two seasons. His transition from safety to linebacker actually enhances his NFL value, as he brings the coverage awareness and ball skills that most linebackers lack while adding the physicality and run-stopping ability that the position demands. Teams prioritizing athleticism and versatility over immediate polish will find themselves drawn to his explosive testing numbers and competitive makeup. The ceiling here is a Pro Bowl-caliber linebacker who can anchor a defense's second level while providing the flexibility to match up against any offensive skill position player in the modern game.

Sammy Omosigho Linebacker Oklahoma | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report

Rating: 82.9 Rank: #19 Forty: 4.44 Omosigho embodies the modern NFL linebacker prototype that defensive coordinators desperately seek - a rangy athlete who can handle every responsib...

www.nfldraftbuzz.com

 

[manxman2601]

I watched a couple of Golday games yesterday. It was on those offense-defense cut ups so not the best view but I think it was enough to get an idea of him. He did nothing wrong, had a couple of good pass rush reps and looked fairly comfortable in zone coverage but I have to say that I wasn't blown away by him. Athleticism was fine but not elite - he looks a little uncoordinated when he's running about but that might just be tall white man syndrome. What struck me was that he rarely plays MLB and they'd take him off the field in one or two MLB reps. I didn't come away thinking he's a first rounder or a must get for the Pats.

He's better physically, and maybe athletically, than Jacob Rodriguez and will likely go higher, but Rodriguez is the better linebacker right now. Golday will still be higher on my board because of NFL projectability and versatility though.

Edit: The Iowa State game has just been posted so I'll watch that and see if he's better there.

 

[mayoclinic]

Thanks for the report. You have the best eyes in the business, so I put a lit of stock in your evals.

One thing to consider with Golday is that this is his first year at LB, he was moved from DE. So I'm not surprised that his MLB instincts are raw compared with someone like Rodriguez. Hopefully they will develop over time.

Also, I would use him as a defensive chess piece, and leave Spillane to provide MLB stability.

 

[manxman2601]

On the other hand, Sonny Styles is a virtual first round lock for me right now (on my board, not necessarily for the NFL). Why wouldn't we want a Jamie Collins type that comes from the Ohio State program rather than So. Miss? And yes Mayo, he's jumped CJ Allen for me.

 

[manxman2601]

Thanks for the report. You have the best eyes in the business, so I put a lit of stock in your evals.

One thing to consider with Golday is that this is his first year at LB, he was moved from DE. So I'm not surprised that his MLB instincts are raw compared with someone like Rodriguez. Hopefully they will develop over time.

Also, I would use him as a defensive chess piece, and leave Spillane to provide MLB stability.

Agreed on the chess piece idea. I see him as someone who could take on both the Tavai and Mapu roles. I'm not as convinced he's MLB 2 worthy immediately although he could certainly project to that. Strong side backer in a 3 man group, passing down coverage backer and occasional pass rusher/blitzer. There's certainly value in that.

 

[mayoclinic]

On the other hand, Sonny Styles is a virtual first round lock for me right now (on my board, not necessarily for the NFL). Why wouldn't we want a Jamie Collins type that comes from the Ohio State program rather than So. Miss? And yes Mayo, he's jumped CJ Allen for me.

I have Styles ahead of Golday on my board, with Styles at #12 (at the end of Tier 2) and Golday in Tier 3. That said, I probably like Golday in the 2nd more than Styles in the 1st.

CJ Allen may be a better overall player, just less of a complement to Spillane.

 

[manxman2601]

Don't leave a linebacker to block Arvell Reese.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[manxman2601]

 

[mayoclinic]

Thanks a good comp.



Seriously, it seems like every week Reese makes 2-3 plays that just make you goggle with disbelief.

Will stay on top of my board, but won't be around.