10 Minnesota Gophers football alum are heading to NFL training camps this summer. The program had three players drafted in the seven round NFL Draft. And immediately after the draft ended, seven additional Gophers’ players were signed to undrafted free agent contracts with NFL squads. Some may face an uphill climb to a pro career, but at the very least, they will be given an opportunity to make the grade.
The ascension to the next level began with offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery’s selection by the Houston Texans in the second round with the 48th overall pick. On Day 2 of the draft, cornerback Justin Walley heard his name called by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round as the 80th pick overall. And on Day 3, the last of the 2025 Gophers draftees, linebacker Cody Lindenberg went to the Las Vegas Raiders in the sixth round with the 222nd pick overall.
Gophers’ Draftees
Aireontae Ersery
Ersery will get every opportunity to protect C.J. Stroud’s blindside for many years to come. The All Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the year had a standout Gophers’ career allowing only five sacks in the last three seasons. Houston thought so highly of him that they traded their 58th and 99th picks to move up and draft Ersery.
He continues the Gophers’ streak of having a player selected in the first two rounds in six straight drafts. Aireontae follows former Minnesota greats safety Antoine Winfield (2020, Buccaneers), receiver Rashod Bateman (2021, Ravens), defensive end Boye Mafe (2022, Seahawks), center John Michael Schmitz (2023, Giants) and safety Tyler Nubin (2024, Giants).
Justin Walley
To be honest, I was surprised the Walley was taken so high. He certainly has NFL potential, but I thought he would fall to the fifth round. The pros like his experience as a four-year starter and his excellent footwork and point of contact fierceness. He supports the run well but has to improve his performance against bigger running backs.
The Colts picked up free agent cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Corey Ballentine to play the outside so Walley will likely be headed to the slot position. There will be a learning curve as he played exclusively on the outside for the Gophers, but his experience, intelligence, and drive should help him succeed at that position.
Cody Lindenberg
Lindenberg, spent five seasons with the Gophers, playing in 38 games where he racked up 209 tackles, including 12.5 tackles for loss and added two sacks in his career. He also intercepted one pass and chalked up nine pass deflections. Lindenberg is a solid tackler that uses his long arms to hold off wood be blockers. He is a great on the field communicator and reads the quarterback’s intentions well on pass plays.
Lindenberg is not a natural athlete and sometimes gets caught up in plays and is slow on his pursuit. He will likely earn his keep as a special team’s player and could eventually work his way into more playing time as a rotational middle linebacker.
Gophers Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) Signings
QB Max Brosmer
Max Brosmer is staying in Minnesota signing with the Vikings. Intelligent leader who does an excellent job of working through his progressions.
WR Daniel Jackson
One of the Gophers’ top receivers ever will try to latch on to become one of Stroud’s targets with the Houston Texans.
OL Tyler Cooper
The versatile Cooper who played both guard positions for the Gophers hopes to stick with the Green Bay Packers.
DE Jah Joyner
The Gophers’ edge rusher was surprisingly not chosen in the draft. He was picked by some experts to go as early as the fourth round. As it is, he will be joining his former teammate Cody Lindenberg, with the Las Vegas Raiders.
DE Danny Striggow
Striggow, a great leader and hard worker has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars with hopes to make the team initially as a special team’s member.
CB Ethan Robinson
Robinson, who made the transition well form FCS Bucknell to the Gophers has signed with the Miami Dolphins.
DB Jack Henderson
The Gophers’ do all defensive jack of trades from last season has inked a deal with the Carolina Panthers.
