Linebacker prospect has Colts' attention, says NFL draft analyst

We know that the linebacker position is a major need for the Indianapolis Colts, but which prospect could GM Chris Ballard be most interested in?

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid shared some insight on what he is hearing.

Even with the addition of Akeem Davis-Gaither in free agency, the Colts are very short on experience at linebacker. The next most experienced player on the roster at linebacker is Jaylon Carlies, who has played 242 career snaps -- most of which came in 2024.

Depth is needed, and more competition for playing time is needed. You name it, the Colts need it at linebacker.

"'I'd be stunned if they didn't have linebacker at the top of their priority list in the second round,'" is what one league source told me when discussing the Colts," Reid wrote.

So which early round prospect is on the Colts' radar?

"Jake Golday (Cincinnati) was mentioned as a Round 2 pick," Reid added. "He fits the prototype and qualities that the team has targeted at the position in past drafts."

Colts 2026 NFL draft prospect to watch: LB Jake Golday

Golday has played over 2,000 career defensive snaps at the college level. He's been effective as a blitzer, and in 2025, he was one of PFF's highest graded run defenders at the linebacker position.

In coverage, he held opponents to under 9.0 yards per catch, while forcing three pass breakups.

Golday is the fourth-ranked linebacker on Mel Kiper Jr.'s big board.

Without a first-round pick, the Colts' first selection comes on Day 2 at 47th overall.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Jake Golday on Colts' radar, says insider