With the conclusion of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on March 1, teams continue their search to evaluate prospective NFL players. One of the next steps in that process is the pro days sponsored by various colleges and universities. Think of a pro day as a smaller version of the combine, with the participants hailing from the host university and other area colleges.
One such event took place yesterday at the Larson Football Performance Center on the University of Minnesota campus. Representatives of most of the 32 NFL teams attended the event to size up athletes by measuring official heights and weights and administering seven physical tests to assess agility, stamina, fitness, speed, and strength. At the pro day, players also displayed their talents in specific position drills.
2026 Minnesota Gophers Pro Day Particpants
Here is the list of athletes attending the Gophers Pro Day.
The Gophers were represented by the following 15 players:
- Wide receiver Le’Meke Brockington
- Tight end Jameson Geers
- Tight end Drew Biber
- Offensive lineman Dylan Ray
- Offensive lineman Marcellus Marshall
- Offensive lineman Aluma Nkele
- Defensive tackle Nate Becker
- Defensive tackle Deven Eastern
- Defensive tackle Rushawn Lawrence
- Defensive tackle Jalen Logan-Redding
- Linebacker Derik LeCaptain
- Linebacker Devon Williams
- Defensive back Darius Green
- Defensive back Jai’Onte’ McMillian
- Kicker Brady Denaburg.
Other participants included:
- Running back Jordan Nubin (Kent State/Minnesota)
- Wide receiver Dashaun Ames (Minnesota Duluth)
- Wide receiver Dawson Schaffer (Hamline)
- Wide receiver Dylan Wheeler (St. John’s)
- Linebacker Ryan Sever (St. Thomas)
- Offensive lineman Caydon Christensen (Concordia-St. Paul)
- Offensive lineman Jason Laliberte (St. Thomas)
Players from the Gophers Pro Day Who Might Stick in NFL
Deven Eastern: Eastern is the participant from yesterday’s pro day who has the best chance of being drafted and sticking with an NFL team. He was invited to both the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and the Scouting Combine. He projects to be a late-round selection or perhaps one of the more coveted free agents.
The scouting report on him says that he was a three-year starter for Minnesota with a long wingspan that helps him disengage from would-be blockers. He gets off the ball quickly and has the ability to get low to avoid contact. However, he does not anchor well and runs slowly laterally. Eastern also lacks a strong lower body, and he gets pushed to the ground far too easily, and often.
Le’Meke Brockington: Led the Gophers last year in several receiving categories in 2025 and was a clutch performer all season. He possesses excellent hands, runs dedicated routes, and has a knack for finding the open seam in a zone defense. He is a speedy receiver who is also an excellent blocker.
Talent did not always match performance, however, and his lack of height is a detriment to his prospects. Brockington will probably not be drafted, but he has a chance to catch on as a free agent for a team seeking wide receiver depth.
Jameson Geers: Talented receiving tight end who had a disappointing senior season in 2025. Dropped passes were among the issues he faced in his senior year. He has decent speed for a tight end and runs precise routes. However, Geers does not have elite blocking skills, which will hurt his chances to move to the next level. Could be a solid practice squad candidate.
Devon Williams: Reliable three-year starter for Minnesota who was last year’s second leading tackler. Williams is a sure tackler who moves well laterally. Might lack the size and speed to be a three-down NFL linebacker. A long shot who needs to catch on with the right system and coaching staff.
2026 NFL Draft
The evaluations at the various pro days all lead up to the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
