The Vikings need help at linebacker. The top trio of Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson, and Ivan Pace aren’t without some promise, but a high-end young fella would make quite the difference.

As a result, the recent news surrounding a Bearcat ‘backer should cause those who follow Vikings football to take notice. KTSP’s Darren Wolfson offers the word, writing, “Add Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday to the list of #Vikings draft visitors. Hear that he’ll be in later this week. He was 1st team All-Big 12 in 2025.”

Vikings Digging into Jake Golday

Lance Zierlein grinds through draft profiles; Golday didn’t elude his pre-draft research.

Check out the assessment: “Golday is a big, explosive linebacker with a game best suited for work near the line of scrimmage. He attacks climbing blockers with heavy, aggressive hands. He also shows the strength to stack, compress gaps and finish with authority. While his performance at the point of attack stands out, he can be a little late diagnosing play design and needs to work with a more preemptive downhill trigger at times. He’s more powerful than elusive as a blitzer and is average in coverage. Golday’s traits, explosiveness and field demeanor should make him an early special teams standout with the potential to eventually start at Sam or inside linebacker.”

Lots to like within the description. Possessing good size and being explosive will always fascinate football evaluators, but there are other intriguing details in the short blurb.

A linebacker wants to pack electricity in his mitts. Quite often, being able to fend off climbing blockers — an unfair fight due to not having the same size — involves powerful hands that can knock a lineman back. Having long arms and bad intentions certainly helps in this regard.

Zierlein’s assessment is that he’s more of a downhill player who needs polish to become stronger in all aspects of being a linebacker, but that’s to be expected of a young fella going in the 2nd. Having close to zero flaws means going in the top ten, not the top fifty.

At 6’4″ and close to 240 pounds, Jake Golday comes in with a build that’s closer to Anthony Barr (6’5″, 255) than Eric Kendricks (6’0″, 230). Blending their abilities would be a nice win, but that’s quite a lofty standard. In theory, Golday should be someone who can hang with tight ends due to his size, wrestle in the trenches, and chase down runners with his long arms and 4.6 speed.

During the 2025 season, Golday tossed up 105 tackles. He did so while also putting 3.5 sacks, 6 tackles for loss, 3 passes defended, and 1 forced fumble onto the stat sheet.

A large part of what makes him a fit for the Vikings is that he got shuffled around. Per PFF, Golday’s most recent season involved picking up 314 snaps in the box, 248 snaps in the slot, and 117 snaps along the defensive line. That’s the sort of versatility that can be hard to come by, but Brian Flores tends to value those players.

As mentioned, both of Wilson and Pace similarly played linebacker at Cincinnati while in college. Furthermore, the Vikings have been looking into Jack Dingle, another Bearcat linebacker. The interest in Golday is therefore following a well-worn path.

With a 9.85 RAS Score, Golday grades as an elite athlete. He’s 22.

The 2026 NFL Draft is a week away.

Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

Three-division world champion Gervonta Davis continues to be linked to a comeback, but a petition for him to face his number one contender may scupper his proposed fight plans, or remove him from his favourable position in the lightweight division.

Davis has not won a fight since he knocked out Frank Martin almost two years ago, drawing with Lamont Roach Jr in his solitary outing since, in what was the first blemish of his now 30-0-1 professional record.

Earlier this year, after being issued with an arrest warrant for a domestic violence charge, the WBA named ‘Tank’ ‘champion-in-recess’, meaning that he would be given the opportunity to regain his belt upon return.

However, reports have emerged of a potential super-lightweight rematch against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, one of just two men that Davis has defeated but not knocked out.

In response, the WBA’s number one lightweight contender, Floyd ‘Kid Austin’ Schofield has entered a petition with the sanctioning body, lobbying for either a mandated fight with Davis or the opportunity to fight for the vacant title.

In a clip posted by FightHype, the Texan’s trainer and father, Floyd Schofield Sr, explained the situation in further detail.

“We are, right now, in a petition with the WBA to get the ‘Tank’ Davis fight mandated, because we have been the number one contender for 11 months now and didn’t get a shot.

“It is like they are skipping over us. Right now, we have got that petition going to find out what the WBA and ‘Tank’ are going to do. They are saying ‘Tank’ wants to go up to 140lbs to fight Pitbull [Isaac Cruz], but that has put us on hold.”

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Should Davis-Cruz II go ahead, it is expected to take place this summer, with coach Calvin Ford recently confirming that ‘Tank’ is back in training ahead of his return to boxing.

Despite standing as the highest-ranked program in the country as recently as Sunday, No. 3 Maryland women’s lacrosse suffered a total team collapse in one of its worst losses in recent memory.

With the Terps shooting 13.3% on the night and failing to stop No. 11 Michigan’s fiery attack, they suffered their second-largest loss since 2021. Following a 13-0 start to the season, Maryland dropped its second straight game, a 15-4 blowout defeat Thursday in Ann Arbor.

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Michigan’s prized attacker Emma Bradbury opened up the scoring 42 seconds into the contest before scoring ceased for the following eight minutes. Each team failed to score on five shot attempts during that stretch.

Then Maryland’s offense exploded for a pair of goals. Kristen Shanahan netted the Terps’ first — a point-blank strike with seven minutes left in the opening frame — before Lauren LaPointe matched her a minute later.

But those were the only two scores it mustered in the period. Head coach Cathy Reese has emphasized a 50% shooting percentage goal for all her players, but Maryland fell well short Thursday, scoring twice on seven total attempts in the first quarter.

These misfires allowed Michigan to launch a 6-0 run on just seven shots in a six minute span. The Wolverines completely dismantled JJ Suriano, who posted a 27.2% first-half save percentage in one of her worst performances of the year as shot after shot slipped past the junior’s extended stick.

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Coming off her best offensive performance to date, Kayla Gilmore struggled to control possession in the circle during this stretch. Michigan claimed three of the five draw controls over this period and kept that aspect of the game competitive — Maryland won 11 of 20 draws.

Following the destructive run, Shanahan stopped the bleeding on yet another highlight-reel shot. The graduate student curled around the crease and was checked to the ground, but still found nylon from a seated position a meter outside the cage with 10 minutes left in the half.

The Virginia Tech Hokies have been on a roll recently on the recruiting trail. While the 2026 squad has been busy with spring practice, head coach James Franklin and his staff have hosted numerous recruits. It’s led to three commitments since March 19 — all out-of-state players and defensive linemen.

On Thursday, the Hokies added another one, as four-star defensive lineman James Buchanan became Virginia Tech’s latest commitment. Buchanan, a 6-foot-3.5, 260-pounder from the McDonogh School in Owings Mills, Maryland, plays on the edge currently, but possesses the type of frame to eventually move inside.

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Several colleges were recruiting Buchanan as a defensive tackle, but will Tech give him a chance at defensive end. Buchanan weighed in on his position earlier this year.

Patriots Predicted To Pull Off Trade With Eagles That Doesn’t Involve A.J. Brown originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles have become the center of attention this NFL offseason due to speculation about a potential trade involving wide receiver A.J. Brown.

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CBS Sports NFL writer Josh Edwards predicted a trade between the Eagles and Patriots, but he does not mention Brown as part of the deal.

Edwards recently presented a mock draft that featured the Eagles trading their No. 23 pick to the Patriots. In return, Philadelphia received the No. 31 pick along with some undisclosed additional terms. This trade enabled New England to choose Arizona State right tackle Max Iheanachor.

“There was a viral clip going around of Mike Vrabel inciting Max Iheanachor to put his hands on him (which is more common than fans may expect, especially among defensive coaches),” Edwards wrote on Thursday. “If New England is going to nab a right tackle, it will require them to trade up a bit in this scenario because several are off the board.”

If this trade goes down during the draft, everyone is going to go crazy when they hear that the Eagles have made a deal with the Patriots. However, they’ll likely feel a bit let down when they realize that Brown won’t be included.

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The trade may prompt the two teams to discuss Brown after the draft, but it’s unlikely to happen before June 1. At that point, the Eagles would only face a $16 million dead cap hit for Brown, rather than the $43 million penalty they would incur if they traded him before June 2.

More NFL: Patriots Predicted To Draft 27-Sack Pass Rusher To Bolster Front Seven

Shakur Stevenson is one of the most skilled fighters in the sport today, but in the eyes of world-class trainer, Robert Garcia, there is one fellow American he believes could be the man to hand the Newark southpaw his first career defeat.

Stevenson dominated Teofimo Lopez to become a four-division world champion back in January and ever since, he has been linked to a plethora of fights against some of boxing’s biggest names and a potential move up to the welterweight division.

However, whilst the newly-crowned WBO super-lightweight world champion may be recognised as one of the most talented operators in the world of boxing, he currently lacks the star power to convince some of the sport’s superstars into a fight.

As a result, despite calling out both Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, it seems as though the welterweight duo will instead face one another, with Stevenson left to ponder whether he should remain at super-lightweight, drop back down to lightweight, or begin campaigning up at 147lbs.

Should he decide to move up, Robert Garcia thinks that reigning WBO welterweight world champion, Devin Haney, could get the better of Stevenson due to his physical advantages, as well as his boxing skills, he told BoxingScene.

“It is not an easy fight for Shakur, that is why he is not chasing that one. He knows that is a dangerous fight, especially if they do it at welterweight.

“He wants it at a catchweight but if Haney is a champion at welterweight, then fight him at welterweight. I don’t think that Shakur is big enough, like [Floyd] Mayweather was at one point, where he could say ‘I want you at this weight division’.”

“If the fight does happen, it happens at welterweight. Shakur might not want to do that because it is going to be very dangerous for him, fighting a big guy like that. Haney can fight, Haney is fast, Haney has got decent power, too.”

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“I do see Haney being the bigger man and maybe I would give Haney the advantage but it’s an interesting fight – a fight that I would like to see.”

Haney seemed destined to fight WBA champion Rolando Romero in a welterweight title unification until talks recently collapsed and the potential announcement of Garcia-Benn seems to have left ‘The Dream’ out in the cold, as he searches for a first fight of 2026.

If you’re just freshening up on the Minnesota Vikings’ draft process, it’s a good idea to get to know the name Emmett Johnson, a running back from Nebraska. He wants to play for the Vikings, his hometown team, so much so that he issued a lighthearted ultimatum this week.

The hometown tailback offers production, youth, and a direct reason for the Vikings to consider him on draft weekend.

Johnson told Twin Cities Live this week that the franchise won’t regret drafting him, but will rue facing him for 10 years if it does not.

Minnesota Could Have a Natural Mid-Round Option at RB

Some bravado from Minnesota’s possible next tailback.

The Johnson Ultimatum

Johnson is indeed on the Vikings’ draft radar, as he recently met with the coaching staff and front office on a pre-draft visit.

About that discussion, Johnson said this week, “I told them I said if y’all take a chance on me, it’s gonna be the best thing that they ever did. But if y’all don’t, you gotta see me for 10 years. That’s kinda how I feel, to be honest.”

“They’re definitely interested,” Johnson said about the Vikings, “I’m a hometown kid.”

Here’s the footage:

It’s Personal for Johnson

Johnson attended Holy Angels in Richfield and grew up a Vikings fan. He said at the NFL Combine that he would love to play for the Vikings, and as his hometown team needs a young runner — they haven’t picked one with early-round draft capital in seven years — the connection checks out. There’s a reason Minnesota is interested in Johnson; Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, the current co-RB1s, are scheduled to test free agency in 2027.

It’s a fantastic setup for Johnson, and he’s obviously not afraid to pound the table for his hometown team to take the plunge.

Johnson ranks at No. 109 on the current Consensus Big Board, meaning Minnesota will probably have to use one of its 3rd-Round picks to make his dream come true. The Vikings pick 82nd and 97th in “Johnson territory.”

The College Production and Skill Set

Listed at 5’10” and 200 pounds, Johnson’s strong, stocky build is well-suited for the position’s physical demands. His impressive 2025 season — 1,824 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns — demonstrates his ability to handle a heavy workload and maintain offensive momentum, even under pressure.

At 22 years old, Johnson enters the league at a typical rookie age, suggesting he has the maturity to contribute immediately.

The only drawback to his Vikings agenda? He’s not much of a pass-blocker, and in the past, that seemed to be required of a halfback in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.

Pro Football Focus‘s Trevor Sikkema on Johnson: “His game is built on outstanding vision and elusiveness, highlighted by some of the quickest feet in this class. That allows him to navigate traffic effectively in man- and gap-scheme concepts, where he has posted an elite rushing grade over the past two seasons.”

“Johnson is a natural receiver out of the backfield, and while he shows the mentality for strong pass protection, he could be overpowered at the next level due to his lack of bulk. Johnson has Excellent footwork; light on his feet with precise and explosive cuts behind man-gap concepts.”

Johnson initially ran a 4.56 forty at the NFL Combine, which scared some onlookers, but at his Pro Day, he rebounded with a 4.46.

Sikkema added, “He has natural hands as a receiver with high yards per route run usage and missed tackles forced per reception in space. He also runs with a determined style, consistently displaying high effort and competitive toughness. Johnson brings excellent footwork and quickness to the backfield, with good receiving ability to boot.”

“His resume is of a player who can be successful in man- or gap-blocking concepts, with three-down potential, especially as a receiver.”

What If He’s… Right?

Johnson might have a point with his half-joking ultimatum. Across the lay of the land in the NFC North, every team could use a running back. In Chicago, D’Andre Swift’s contract expires at the end of the 2026 season. The Bears may need a young tailback to pair with Kyle Monagai in 2027 and beyond.

The Green Bay Packers employ Josh Jacobs, who turned 28 this offseason. Some running backs begin an age-related decline around 28, and it wouldn’t be strange for Jacobs to fall victim to that fate. The Packers’ current RB2 is Chris Brooks, a rather anonymous talent in NFL-speak.

And while the Lions have Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery left via trade to the Houston Texans. If newcomer Isiah Pacheco doesn’t work out as the RB2, a man like Johnson would make sense behind Gibbs.

In an RB-needy NFC North, the Vikings should backhandedly consider Johnson’s playful ultimatum. He has a point.

It’s also the kind of swagger you want to see from a running back.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said government is working towards a legislation that would criminalise trafficking and administration of prohibited performance-enhancing substances to athletes.

Speaking at the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Global Anti-Doping Intelligence and Investigations Network (GAIIN) Final Conference here, the minister said India, which has topped the global list of dope offenders for the past three years, would aggressively tackle the menace that casts a massive shadow on its aspirations of hosting the Olympics in 2036.

“We are working on introducing criminal provisions for athlete support staff or other persons involved in trafficking and administering banned substances,” Mandaviya said, making it apparent that coaches who are found encouraging use of banned substances by athletes would be among those at the receiving end.

Currently, India does not have penal provisions to tackle supply of banned substances to athletes and disciplinary action is limited to bans that can last up to a lifetime depending on the degree of the offence. 

“Doping is no longer individual conduct. It is organised multi-national enterprise. The threat of doping undermines sport as India becomes a global sporting hub. Regulations are not enough. Ethics and values are at the core of sports but growing pressure of competition can lead to doping,” Mandaviya stressed.

“India is committed not only to sporting excellence but to upholding the highest standards of integrity.” 
Addressing the conference on Thursday, Mandaviya said India has undertaken proactive reforms “not just for compliance, but with a genuine commitment to the integrity of sports.” 
On preventive measures, Mandaviya stressed that “prevention remains the most effective strategy.” 
“Providing the right information at the right time empowers athletes to make informed decisions and avoid both intentional and accidental violations,” he added.

India has significantly expanded its anti-doping testing from around 4,000 tests in 2019 to approximately 8,000 tests in the past year.

Mandaviya noted a significant decline in adverse analytical findings, from 5.6 per cent in 2019 to less than two per cent currently, reflecting the impact of “sustained awareness and preventive efforts.