The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and fans everywhere are trying to predict which NFL team will select their collegiate heroes. The same is true for Minnesota Gophers Football fans as they seek to continue to cheer their favorites on NFL Sundays.

And although Minnesota has only one player who could be considered a “top draft choice,” they have several others who could be great third day gems. So, let’s take a look at the Gophers’ players selection possibilities for the 2025 NFL Draft which runs from April 24-26 at the Green Bay Packers’ Historic Lambeau Field.

2025 Minnesota Gophers Draft Prospects

Aireontae Ersery, OT, (6’6, 331 pounds)

The big tackle has blindside defender written all over him. Once considered a possible first-round pick, he should now be selected somewhere between the middle to late second round. Excellent rush blocker who explodes off the ball and dominates with massive size and strength. Ersery keeps a wide base and is always in control of his body. Lack of knee bend sometimes makes him play too upright. he also has to work on his downfield blocking.

Predictive NFL Team: Chicago Bears, 2nd Round

Justin Walley, CB, 5’10, 190 pounds)

Excellent cover corner with good quickness and excellent footwork. Breaks to the ball very well and times his hits and pass breakups very well. Aggressive pursuer on running plays. Not a super athlete and lacks recovery speed. Does not wrap arms when tackling a ball carrier or receiver. Walley is a developmental cornerback who might be able to able to contribute immediately in nickel packages.

Predictive NFL Team: Los Angeles Chargers, 5th Round

Jah Joyner, Edge, 6’4, 263 pounds)

Aggressive pass rusher with a great burst to the quarterback. Strong upper body gives him the ability to easily ward off blockers. Joyner has good length and uses his hands well. But he lacked consistency in his play for the Gophers and he tended to attack too upright which made it easy to knock him off his base. Development edge who may be able to help immediately on passing downs. Projects as a low 5th to early 6th round pick.

Predictive NFL Team: Houston Texans, 5th Round

Tyler Cooper, G, (6’6, 302 pounds)

Great length for an interior lineman allows him to maintain effective separation from pass rushers. Picks up stunts and blitzes extremely well. Maintains good leverage which allows him to attack defenders at optimal angles. Cooper has a tendency to play too high allowing defenders to get under him. Also, he sometimes has problems moving physical defensive tackles.

Predictive NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers, 6th Round

Cody Lindenberg, LB, (6’2, 236 pounds)

Solid tackler with a good wide base who knows how to wrap up. Intelligent player who recognizes blocking schemes well and communicates them to teammates. Squares up on his tackles and explodes when taking down ball carriers. Lindenberg stands too upright at times which make him easier to block. Doesn’t have that burst to attack the line of scrimmage and sometimes lags when pursuing a runner.

Predictive NFL Team: San Francisco 49ers, 7th Round

Gopher Free Agents

Max Brosmer, QB, (6’2, 217 pounds)

Intelligent field general who sees the field well. Brosmer is a natural born leader. Named captain of Gophers team before he played a down. Runs through his progressions as good as any college quarterback I have ever seen. Might lack the arm strength and quickness to be an NFL starter but has great potential as a long-term backup. Future coach material. The Vikings have an interest in Brosmer.

Daniel Jackson , WR, (5’11, 193 pounds)

Great body control with fluid motions. Tracks the ball well and adjusts routes as needed to aid his quarterback. Made some big plays for the Gophers. Jackson might have some separation issues in the NFL. Dropped too many passes as a collegiate and this must improve for him to move forward.

Quinn Carroll , OT, (6’7, 312 pounds)

Came to the Gophers after three years of playing at Notre Dame. Played mostly tackle in college but slid inside to play guard as needed. Great first step quickness and processes information well. Carroll exhibits a stiff posture when he blocks and can get beat by speed rushers.