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For NFL Draft fans, there is nothing quite like the NFL combine. The testing is not much in terms of action, but regardless, it gets you on the edge of your seat for the first time since the Super Bowl.
On Thursday, we get to see two position groups on the field with actual testing in the defensive line and linebackers. Both are positions that the Vikings could use some help at this draft cycle, so we wanted to give you some players to watch today when testing begins at 3:00 p.m. EST on NFL Network.
In this piece, we will focus specifically on linebackers. It is not a massive need, but the play the team got from the group was hot and cold throughout the year. This class is deeper than most, so it makes sense that they may target one player from the group at some point.
With that in mind, here are five players we are looking forward to seeing test at the NFL combine.
Jake Golday is a fun linebacker prospect in this year's class and someone the Vikings could target on Day 2. Golday is someone who could prove himself useful as the team looks to defend the run better in 2026 and beyond. He has good range and change of direction skills to not lose momentum. Testing will play a larger part in his evaluation than most, but he should do well.
CJ Allen could be in play for the Vikings at 18, regardless of how he tests. He showed this year at Georgia he is one of the best leaders in the middle of any defense in the country. He offers both run and pass support as he can blitz when assigned, or simply roam the middle of the field. If he tests well on Thursday, look for Allen to be firmly in the discussion for the Vikings at 18.
Anthony Hill Jr. is very much a project for whoever lands him. That being said, he reminds me a lot of Lavonte David in that he can be a versatile piece in a defense. If Hill is wired right, which teams will figure out in interviews, and the testing matches what everyone expects, then he could sneak into round one. Most likely, though, he will be a steal for someone in the middle or end of the second round.
Arguably, the best linebacker in the Ohio State defense is now being discussed, but testing could project him into the top ten. However, if he doesn't make as big a splash as some hope, he could be prime for the picking in the middle of round one. Styles is everything you want in the modern linebacker, where he is a unique blend of speed and power with good instincts. That makes Styles arguably the best linebacker in the draft.
The biggest name in the class is Jacob Rodriguez, after a season that saw him earn many awards, dominate on film, and be the highest graded defender in the country by PFF. Rodriguez won't wow anyone with his testing, most likely, but his instincts and movement skills will always stick out and could make him the steal of the draft despite it.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL combine: 5 LB prospects fans should watch
Continue reading...
On Thursday, we get to see two position groups on the field with actual testing in the defensive line and linebackers. Both are positions that the Vikings could use some help at this draft cycle, so we wanted to give you some players to watch today when testing begins at 3:00 p.m. EST on NFL Network.
In this piece, we will focus specifically on linebackers. It is not a massive need, but the play the team got from the group was hot and cold throughout the year. This class is deeper than most, so it makes sense that they may target one player from the group at some point.
With that in mind, here are five players we are looking forward to seeing test at the NFL combine.
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Jake Golday is a fun linebacker prospect in this year's class and someone the Vikings could target on Day 2. Golday is someone who could prove himself useful as the team looks to defend the run better in 2026 and beyond. He has good range and change of direction skills to not lose momentum. Testing will play a larger part in his evaluation than most, but he should do well.
CJ Allen, Georgia
CJ Allen could be in play for the Vikings at 18, regardless of how he tests. He showed this year at Georgia he is one of the best leaders in the middle of any defense in the country. He offers both run and pass support as he can blitz when assigned, or simply roam the middle of the field. If he tests well on Thursday, look for Allen to be firmly in the discussion for the Vikings at 18.
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Anthony Hill Jr. is very much a project for whoever lands him. That being said, he reminds me a lot of Lavonte David in that he can be a versatile piece in a defense. If Hill is wired right, which teams will figure out in interviews, and the testing matches what everyone expects, then he could sneak into round one. Most likely, though, he will be a steal for someone in the middle or end of the second round.
Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Arguably, the best linebacker in the Ohio State defense is now being discussed, but testing could project him into the top ten. However, if he doesn't make as big a splash as some hope, he could be prime for the picking in the middle of round one. Styles is everything you want in the modern linebacker, where he is a unique blend of speed and power with good instincts. That makes Styles arguably the best linebacker in the draft.
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
The biggest name in the class is Jacob Rodriguez, after a season that saw him earn many awards, dominate on film, and be the highest graded defender in the country by PFF. Rodriguez won't wow anyone with his testing, most likely, but his instincts and movement skills will always stick out and could make him the steal of the draft despite it.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL combine: 5 LB prospects fans should watch
Continue reading...
