The Buffalo Bills are navigating an intriguing situation at linebacker as they approach the 2026 NFL Draft. Terrel Bernard is set to hold down one of the inside spots in Jim Leonhard’s 3-4 defense, but the identity of his partner remains a mystery that GM Brandon Beane needs to solve.
Currently, Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen are the only other off-ball linebackers on the roster. While Beane might consider bringing back veterans like Matt Milano or Shaq Thompson, both still available as free agents at 32, the Bills' faithful can expect the team to invest a draft pick in this position.
Despite the overall lukewarm reviews of the 2026 draft class, there’s a silver lining for the Bills: the linebacker position offers some promising depth. Many mock drafts have linked Buffalo to early-round prospects like Georgia’s CJ Allen or mid-round talents such as Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez.
However, the Bills might look beyond the obvious picks. Linebacker isn’t typically a high-value position, so Buffalo could take a gamble on a Day 2 prospect with a standout athletic profile, hoping for a worthwhile return.
Enter Cincinnati’s Jake Golday, a potential Day 2 steal. According to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, Golday’s athletic profile is strikingly similar to that of Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher. While no one is suggesting Golday will mirror Urlacher’s career, his physical attributes certainly make him an intriguing prospect for NFL scouts.
Golday started his college career as an edge defender, unlike Urlacher, who began as a safety at New Mexico. Golday is a bit slower but more explosive and leaner. His athletic prowess could tempt teams to draft him earlier than expected.
The Bills, lacking a second-round pick, might consider trading back from their No. 26 spot to acquire Golday, much like they did with UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence. Golday’s ability to complement Bernard is appealing-he’s adept at filling run gaps, covering sideline-to-sideline, and holding his own in coverage. This would give Buffalo two dynamic off-ball linebackers, with Williams and Andreessen providing depth for short-yardage situations.
Finding value at linebacker in the draft can be tricky. While solid linebackers emerge in every round, many first-round picks fail to meet expectations.
That’s why selecting a Day 2 player like Golday, with his potential to exceed expectations, could be a smart move for the Bills. His Urlacher-like athletic traits in a modern frame make him an enticing option if Buffalo can maneuver a trade to snag him in the second round.