When P.J. Fleck took over as head football coach at the University of Minnesota in 2017, it was one of the least-drafted from programs in the Big Ten. Back then, NFL Pro Days in Dinkytown were quiet and not very well represented by NFL teams.

Lots of NFL scouts on hand for Minnesota Gophers Pro Day

In 2025, after eight seasons und Fleck, that’s no longer the case. On Wednesday, at Athletes Village on the west side of the Mississippi river, there were over 70 NFL scouts, coaches and executives on hand, including at least one rep from all 32 teams, to watch 17 Gopher players participate in the workout.

Kevin O’Connell may be looking at his next quarterback project today. pic.twitter.com/rVgoT66I6N

— Ted (@tlschwerz) March 19, 2025

Left tackle Aireontae Ersery should be the first Minnesota Gophers player to hear his name called, possibly even on day one. Others on the NFL Draft radar, who were working out at the U of M Pro Day Wednesday, included all five of February’s combine participants (a school record) — (LT) Aireontae Ersery, (WR) Daniel Jackson, (DE) Jah Joyner, (LB) Cody Lindenberg and (QB) Max Brosmer.

Minnesota kicked off the day in the weight room. Max Brosmer was the first player in line. He did not participate in the broad jump or cone drills, due to an ankle injury. He told a representative from the San Francisco 49ers that his ankle is fully healed, but that he did not have the adequate training time to prepare, off the injury.

Max Brosmer takes center stage for Minnesota Gophers

Brosmer only ran the 40-yard dash once, after recording an unofficial 4.78 seconds. Only three quarterbacks ran at the NFL Combine, but Brosmer’s time would have checked in just behind Memphis’ Seth Henigan (4.76), who finished last of the three.

Related: Homegrown Gopher Legend Signing with Jets

There was plenty of time between that dash and the throwing portion of the day. In between, quite a large contingent of Minnesota Vikings coaches, scouts and executives showed up. Those present included… well, pretty much everyone — HC Kevin O’Connell, GM Adofo-Mensah, QB coach Josh McCown, OC Wes Phillips, and many more (photo above).

Then, it was time to show of his arm, which he absolutely did. Max methodically worked the field, tossing clean, crisp intermediate passes, before showing off his arm and putting multiple 60+ yard deep balls on the money. Afterwards, Brosmer told reporters that he felt good about his throwing session, better than he did at the combine.

Brosmer has made some really nice throws on deep balls today. pic.twitter.com/2uMUHA3lTS

— Ted (@tlschwerz) March 19, 2025

Max Brosmer ➡️ Daniel Jackson @GopherFootball gets some Pro Day reps in 💪 #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/3FzIh3TEuS

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) March 19, 2025

Max Brosmer is not going to be a high draft pick, but whichever team shoots their shot with this kid is going to be happy they did. Will the 6’2″, 217 lb kid out of Rothwell, GA develop into a QB1 at the next level? Maybe not, but he seems to have the floor of a 10-year veteran backup, who will add talent, brains and work ethic to whatever QB room he lands in.

First Gophers QB drafted since when…?

If Max Brosmer does get drafted next month, he’ll be the first Minnesota Gophers quarterback selected in the NFL Draft since 1972, when Craig Curry was taken by the Miami Dolphins in an 8th round (pick 207) that no longer exists. That’s 52 years ago, for anyone who might be counting. The NFL/AFL merger was two years old and the Super Bowl wasn’t called the Super Bowl yet.

Related: Gophers Draft Prospects Praise PJ Fleck’s Culture at Minnesota

Before Max Brosmer threw a pass, though, he got all of his receivers together for some instruction and encouragement. Minnesota’s Pro Day doesn’t only spotlight Gophers players. It is used to give local smaller school talent a platform to show off their skills, as well (DII, DIII, etc). So Brosmer was unfamiliar with some of his targets.

Still, that didn’t stop him from taking the time to introduce every single one of his receivers, by name, to the contingent of NFL coaches and evaluators gathered at the U of M indoor football facility Wednesday. Remember, Brosmer transferred to Minnesota after four years of football at FCS New Hampshire. Thus, he felt an obligation to give those players the best possible opportunity to be seen.

The other moment of Gophers Pro Day was probably QB Max Brosmer introducing all of the WR's, TE's, & RB's he was throwing to before the start of pass drills, even the guys participating from outside the program.

After, Brosmer spoke about why he did it.@kare11 @GopherFootball pic.twitter.com/Ks0NUWmDO5

— J.T. Messinger (@JTMessinger) March 19, 2025

Other Minnesota Gophers stand out

There were plenty of other notable performances during the Minnesota Gophers 2025 NFL Pro Day, on Wednesday. On the bench, offensive linemen Quinn Carroll benched 225 pounds 29 times. I counted 31, which would have come in among the best performances at the NFL Combine.

Cornerback Ethan Robinson, who P.J. Fleck spoke glowingly of with the media as the day finished, exploded off the floor on a 42″ vertical jump. That was the second highest effort of this testing cycle. Robinson had a good day overall and performed well in individual drills. He picked off three passes and had 29 tackles during his lone season with Minnesota.

Quinn Carroll kicks off the bench press with 31 reps. pic.twitter.com/30J0m8OJqm

— Ted (@tlschwerz) March 19, 2025

Ethan Robinson’s vertical comes in at a RIDICULOUS 42 inches.

Had P.J. Fleck even pulling out his phone.

Only higher combine number was South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori (43”)

Robinson jumped 3.5 feet from a standstill. pic.twitter.com/YWvUHgtjAr

— Ted (@tlschwerz) March 19, 2025

PJ Fleck’s program also on full display

There was something else on display at Minnesota’s Pro Day. PJ Fleck’s program, itself. There’s a reason why Minnesota has more NFL talent to show off in 2025, than what it has historically. Everyone inside the program is bought into what the master motivator is selling.

As Fleck puts it, he isn’t just running a football program. He’s running a life program where his number one goal is raising boys into the best men they can possibly be. Yes, he wins more than other coaches have too, but his players leave the University of Minnesota Gophers football program with a better future than when they got there.

Related: Homegrown Gopher Legend Signing with Jets

Brosmer, Justin Walley, Daniel Jackson, and others all talked about their development as men and how much they have learned about what it means to be a man, in today’s world. They even take edicate classes get coached on how to handle NIL and how to budget money. In other words, he’s teaching these kids how to be responsible adults in the real world, something that is not always a focus elsewhere.

Overall, Fleck has to feel good about the way Wednesday went, and the direction in which his program is moving. The Minnesota Gophers are in line to have a player selected pick in the first or second round of the NFL Draft for the sixth-straight year. That doesn’t happen by mistake.

The 2025 NFL scouting combine will be held from February 27 to March 2 at Indianapolis. While these days many see it as more of a gathering for top front office executives to mingle amongst each other and media members about how the NFL offseason will unfold, it’s important to remember that there are still college football players trying to prove to teams around the league that they should be on their draft boards.

Minnesota Gophers receive SIX NFL scouting combine invites

And in 2025, six Minnesota Gophers players received invites to the scouting combine, including QB Max Brosmer, DL Jah Joyner, CB Justin Walley, WR Daniel Jackson and OT Aireontae Ersery. That’s more Golden Gophers to attend a scouting combine than in any other year in program history.

A program record 6️⃣ @NFL Scouting Combine Invitees! Minnesota is one of just 13 programs to have at least six invitees at six different positions 〽️#RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/u5Y1WPGnWZ

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) February 13, 2025

Quarterback, Max Brosmer | 6’2″, 225lb

A graduate transfer out of New Hampshire, Max Brosmer started all 13 games for the Minnesota Gophers in 2024. He set a single-season school record with 268 completions (403 attempts). His passing efficiency was remarkable, completing 66.5% of his passes for 2,828 yards (third most in school history) and 18 touchdowns (tied for eighth most) to just 6 interceptions.

Related: Minnesota QB Max Brosmer Gets THE Invite

Brosmer’s performance earned him Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week honors once and a spot in the East-West Shrine Bowl, where he impressed scouts and evaluators in attendance. Max’s transfer in last season transformed the Golden Gophers’ offense faster than anyone thought humanly possible. In 2024, Minnesota averaged 31.7 pass attempts per game, significantly higher than any previous season under PJ Fleck.

Max Brosmer (Minnesota) is probably my favorite Day 3 QB. Absolute machine on intermediate throws and is by far the best anticipatory passer that I’ve watched. I’d draft him just to specialize as my 3rd & medium QB.pic.twitter.com/wJCRgekYKi

— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) January 17, 2025

Defensive End, Jah Joyner | 6’5″, 250lb

Jah Joyner’s combination of speed, power, and technique made him one of the most disruptive defensive linemen on the Minnesota Gophers last season. The junior defensive end racked up 4.5 sacks and 6 tackles for loss (32 total tackles) in 2024. He also forced 2 fumbles and 7 pass breakups.

Joyner’s impressive performance earned him a spot on the All-Big Ten Second Team, which helped get him his invite to the combine. According to PFF, Joyner hurried opposing quarterbacks 22 times in 2024, which led the team. He also posted an overall defensive grade of 76.7. Even more impressive is his consistency in both the run and pass — 75.4 both rush defense and pass rush grades.

Wide Receiver, Daniel Jackson | 6’0″, 200lb

The senior Minnesota Gophers wide receiver played in all 12 games, hauling in 75 receptions for 863 yards and 4 touchdowns. He averaged 6.2 receptions per game and 71.9 receiving yards per game, proving himself as far and away the best receiver on the Golden Gophers roster in 2024.

Jackson can play inside, outside and he’s determined in the block game. Daniel is a guy who will go into this draft very much underrated, but his hands and ability to get open will make him a viable candidate for whatever roster he ends up on.

Continuing our top 10 moments of the season countdown, we have our No. 3 moment… when @GopherFootball's Daniel Jackson had this absolutely unreal catch 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/85zSEFYPPl

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 29, 2024

Offensive Tackle, Aireontae Ersery | 6’6″, 320lb

Aireontae Ersery anchored the Minnesota Gophers offensive line at left tackle in 2024, showcasing his strength and athleticism. He started all 13 games last season for the Gophers and he was a key part of an offensive line that helped the Gophers average over 400 yards of total offense per game.

The senior LT posted a 77.5 overall PFF grade, which included a 73.6 grade. He was even better in pass pro, where he posted a 77.3 grade, which demonstrates probably Ersery’s best skill as a blocker. According to PFF, Aireontae allowed just one sack, one QB hit and 10 hurries all season.

Related: Gophers Finish Way Higher than Projected in Final Top 140 of 2024

Entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Ersery is projected as a potential first or second round draft pick. Mel Kiper (ESPN) has him as his 7th best offensive tackle in the class. Kiper notes Ersery’s ability to “drive defensive ends off the ball with his power and uses his movement skills to keep quicker pass rushers in check”.

Linebacker, Cody Lindenberg | 6’3″, 235lb

Cody Lindenberg was another huge cog in the efficient Minnesota Gophers defense machine in 2024. He tallied 94 total tackles, including 45 solo and 49 assisted, which easily led the team. The closest Gopher behind him was Maverick Baranowski, with 65. Lindenberg also contributed 5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.

Every NFL team is looking for big 'backers who can run and Minnesota's Cody Lindenberg (6030e, 240e) is one of 𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞/𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐬 in this year's LB class.

Checkout #45 run with shallow crosser here👇and then attack downhill with perfect timing for the sack… https://t.co/zHF79GkPhm pic.twitter.com/OJKO77gGlE

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 17, 2024

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Lindenberg earned an overall grade of 72.2, with an impressive run defense grade of 79.3 to go with a 66.2 tackle grade and 65.4 pass rush grade. PFF does have him riding the struggle bus in coverage last year, with a 61.1 grade.

Linebacker, Justin Walley | 5’11”, 185lb

Justin Walley had yet another impressive season in 2024, as No. 1 cornerback for the Minnesota Gophers. He recorded 42 total tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 1 sack, to go with his 2 interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and 10 pass breakups.

PFF liked Walley (70.7 overall grade), who played more defensive snaps than any other CB on the Minnesota roster (549). He was especially when he came up to support the run (71.4 grade) and when he dropped back in coverage (70.8 grade).

Related: Another Gophers Football Coach Plucked by NFL Team

Justin Walley will have to improve his tackle skills (56.5 grade) to produce at the next level but there’s no doubt Walley holds all the talent and skills necessary to be a starting CB in the league.

Well, most of the healthy Minnesota players will be playing vs the Hokies. That includes quarterback Max Brosmer, who will be playing in the final game of his collegiate career on Friday. So will sophomore running back Darius Taylor, who can push his rushing totals on the season over 1,000 yards, if he can gain 130 yards on the ground in the season finale.

Minnesota Gophers will be missing lots of talent at Duke’s Mayo Bowl

That’s the good news. The bad news is that some of the other most important Gophers players will not be participating. According to Ryan Burns (247Sports), most of the Gophers who are hoping to hear their name called during the 2025 NFL Draft will not play.

Those names include (LT) Aireontae Ersery, (LB) Cody Lindenberg, (WR) Daniel Jackson, (RB) Marcus Major, (C) Tyler Cooper and (OL) Phillip Daniels. That’s a lot of beef to be missing off of an offensive line that underperformed for much of the 2024 season.

“Minnesota is likely going to be without Marcus Major, Daniel Jackson, Aireonae Ersery, Tyler Cooper, Phillip Daniels. I mean, you’re going to be without quite a bit there.”

Ryan Burns (247Sports) – Gopher Gridiron Podcast (41:20 mark)

The Star Tribune’s Randy Johnson added a couple more guys to the list, noting that the Gophers “might be without” (DL) Jah Joyner and (CB) Justin Walley, as well. As you can see, Minnesota will be far from 100% in Charlotte.

Even with these expected absences, the Minnesota Gophers remain -9 favorites. Why? Well, PJ Fleck is 5-0 in bowl games as head coach at the U of M. Additionally, the Gophers are probably a better team than the Hokies, even with both squads at full strength. But if you think we have an opt-out problem, Virginia Tech has it much worse.

Related: Minnesota QB Max Brosmer Lands on NFL Draft Hot Board

As Burns also notes, the Virginia Tech Hokies will be without two 1st Team All-ACC defensive linemen, “essentially their entire secondary” and two starting linebackers. Good luck stopping Max Brosmer and Darius Taylor with that going on…

What are Gophers missing without Jackson, Ersery, Lindenberg, others?

Nonetheless, Minnesota’s absences will certainly hurt, too. Aireontae Ersery is expected to be a first round draft pick, come April. Daniel Jackson was by far the Gophers most prolific pass catcher, posting 75 receptions for 863 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was also the biggest All-Conference snub of the 2024 class.

Screw fox, that's a Gophers TD and I'm posting it pic.twitter.com/dQOnD9o9Fz

— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) September 28, 2024

On defense, Minnesota will lose Cody Lindenberg, who easily leads the team in tackles, with 94. The 2nd highest leading tackler? Kerry Brown and Maverick Baranowski are tied at 59 each. That type of production isn’t easily replaced.

Related: CFB Expert Confidently Picks Minnesota Gophers to Win Duke’s Mayo Bowl

Good thing Virginia Tech is missing their two stud big men up front, on defense, because most of the Gophers offensive line is sitting this game out. Nonetheless, this will be a great opportunity for PJ Fleck and his coaching staff to get a look at some of the linemen who have not gotten a lot of run yet this season, then adjust their post bowl game transfer portal plans, as necessary.

Quarterback Max Brosmer led the 2024 Minnesota Gophers offense, after transferring from FCS New Hampshire. He made quick friends with left tackle Aireontae Ersery, who’s been a projected as a late day 1 pick for months.

Minnesota Gophers LT Aireontae Ersery declares for 2025 NFL Draft

The standout bookend was among the best tackles in the country, and still has one season remaining of college eligibility. But he won’t use it. On Friday, Ersery announced that he is heading to the NFL.

Met god halfway 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾#KCMO pic.twitter.com/QyLtKr8rsF

— Aireontae L Ersery (@Aireontae_69) December 20, 2024

Over the last three years, Ersery has started 37 games for the Gophers. He excels as a pass blocker, but can run block too. No doubt, Aireontae’s presence on the left side made life a lot easier on Brosmer, during his one-and-done season in Dinkytown.

Ersery, who will not be participating in the Duke Mayo Bowl, carried a 79.7 PFF grade this season, which included a 80.0 pass block grade and 75.2 run block grade. If he’s drafted in the 1st round, as projected, Aireontae Ersery will become the second Gopher drafted on day one, under PJ Fleck.

Related: 49ers Suspend Former Minnesota Gopher for Conduct Detrimental to the Team

The only 1st round draft pick PJ’s produced, since taking over as Gophers head coach in 2017, is Rashod Bateman (27th overall – 2021). Other offensive linemen who have been drafted, since Fleck took over, are Daniel Faalele (4th round – 2022) and John Michael Schmitz (2nd round – 2023).

One of Us Cody Lindenberg also declaring for draft

Cody Lindenberg joined Ersery Friday, in declaring for the NFL Draft. The Anoka, Minnesota native will also forego his final season of college eligibility. This decision wasn’t as cut and dry, as Ersery’s, who everyone knew was leaving after this season.

All glory to God! pic.twitter.com/ESQmKi5Z5X

— Cody Lindenberg (@cody_lindenberg) December 20, 2024

There was some late steam that Cody may stay in Dinkytown for his final season of eligibility, but in the end, he’s decided to take his talents to the NFL, and that is probably the right decision. Just because you’re a draft prospect this year, doesn’t mean next year will be the same thing. Strike while the iron is hot.

Over his five year collegiate career, Lindenberg played in just 38 games for Minnesota, thanks to injury issues. In 2024, however, the homegrown Minnesota linebacker racked up 94 total tackles in just 12 games, which easily led the team. He also recorded his second career sack, and intercepted the first and only pass of his Gophers career.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Land One All-American… Barely

It remains to be seen where Lindenberg will be selected, but he has great size and high-end football IQ. Given the success Minnesota has had with producing NFL linebackers, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him rise up draft boards, as we inch closer to April.

Aireontae Ersery gives Gophers an All-American

The Big Ten landed five players as first-team All-Americans. None of them were Minnesota Gophers but P.J. Fleck’s star left tackle landed a spot on the third-team.

HIM. 👑@Aireontae_69, the @bigten Offensive Lineman of the Year is now an @AP All-American! 💪 #RTB #SkiUMah #Gophers pic.twitter.com/nn1xc7tsye

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) December 16, 2024

Ersery won Big Ten’s offensive lineman of the year recognition. A selection as an All-American only elevates his status in the final year wearing a Minnesota uniform. He is projected to be a first round pick in the upcoming April draft.

Minnesota rolled out Ersery as their starter in each of their 12 games this season. He allowed only a single sack and has been a mainstay for the program. Pro Football Focus currently has the Gophers tackle as the fourth-best on their big board calling him an “impact zone-run blocker.”

Minnesota LT Aireontae Ersery #69 (nice) with the quick snatch of Abdul Carter pic.twitter.com/tXWyLRFtKm

— Daniel Harms🏈 (@InHarmsWay19) November 26, 2024

It remains to be seen how Ersery will translate at the next level. He joins center John Michael Schmitz as the Gophers to land on All-American teams in the past three seasons. Fleck has coached six All-American’s including Antoine Winfield Jr., Tyler Nubin, Rashod Bateman, and Mohamed Ibrahim.

Related: Former Minnesota Gophers Defensive Lineman Shot

Ersery will represent the Gophers during the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl as part of his pre-draft showcases.

On offense, New Hampshire graduate transfer Max Brosmer took the University of Minnesota passing game into the modern age of college football. For the first time in PJ Fleck’s tenure as head coach, the Golden Gophers passed the ball (31.8 passes per game) more times than they ran it (30.7 rushes per game).

Unfortunately, an early season stumble vs North Carolina, paired with a but kicking vs Iowa and an inability to close in close games vs Penn State and Michigan led to a mediocre 7-5 overall record and 5-4 Big Ten record, which was good for 9th place in the new 18-team format.

The Minnesota Gophers’ most likely bowl destination is the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, according to one insider report. That’s not exactly the finish you would have hoped out of possibly the most optimistic football season in recent memory, barring 2019.

2024 Minnesota Gophers All-Big Ten Honors – Offense

• 1st Team
  • LT Aireontae Ersery(unanimous)
• Honorable Mention
  • WR Daniel Jackson (unanimous)
  • RB Darius Taylor (unanimous)
  • C Tyler Cooper (unanimous)
  • OL Quinn Carroll (media)

On Tuesday, though, the Big Ten honored a couple handfuls of 2024 standout Golden Gophers, in major ways. While the All Big Ten offensive team was rather light on maroon and gold, 1st round draft prospect Aireontae Ersery was the one Gopher who made the list as a unanimous 1st team left tackle. He also won the Rimington-Pace Award, for best offensive lineman in the Big Ten.

𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 to Aireontae Ersery, the 2024 Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year! #B1GFootball x @GopherFootball pic.twitter.com/H8hscz0VW9

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) December 3, 2024

Ersery has played 691 snaps in 2024. It is not yet known whether the projected 1st rounder will stick around and play in the Gophers’ bowl game. Minnesota sure could use his 79.9 overall PFF grade (75.4 RBLK, 80.0 PBLK). According to PFF, Ersery allowed just one sace on the season, and 13 total pressures.

The only other Minnesota players mentioned were honorable mentions, WR Daniel Jackson, RB Darius Taylor and offensive linemen Quinn Carroll and Tyler Cooper. Jackson, a senior who will be entering the 2025 NFL Draft, caught 75 passes for 863 yards and 4 touchdowns this season. Darius Taylor has collected 873 yards and 9 touchdowns on 185 carries, so far this season, prior to the Gophers’ bowl game.

2024 Minnesota Gophers All-Big Ten Honors – Defense

• 1st Team All Big Ten
  • S Koi Perich (unanimous)
  • ILB Cody Lindenberg (coaches)
• 2nd Team All Big Ten
  • CB Justin Walley (coaches)
  • ILB Cody Lindenberg (media)
• Honorable Mentions:
  • DT Anthony Smith (unanimous)
  • OLB Danny Striggow (unanimous)
  • CB Ethan Robinson (unanimous)
  • OLB Jah Joyner (unanimous)
  • DT Jalen Logan-Redding (media)
  • CB Justin Walley (media)
  • ILB Maverick Baranowski (media)

As mentioned, the Minnesota Gophers had one of the best defenses, not just in the Big Ten, but in the country. Thus, they did have a greater representation in the end of season awards. Whether or not enough players made the list is certainly debatable.

Nonetheless, we did see a couple of 1st team representation, including freshman Koi Perich, who was named a unanimous 1st Team All Big Ten selection by both coaches and media members. The Esko, MN grown Gopher totalled 5 interceptions on the season, which led the Big Ten, along with 42 tackles and a forced fumble, all with just a half-dozen starts.

Koi Perich. Koi Wonder.

A name to know for @GopherFootball. True freshman. pic.twitter.com/sX4NU4YAXX

— Connor Onion (@ConnorOnion) October 27, 2024

Linebacker Cody Lindenberg was named to the 1st Team by coaches, 2nd team by media. Cornerback Justin Walley made 2nd team coaches and was forgotten about, by media. DT Anthony Smith, OLB Danny Striggow, CB Ethan Robinson and OLB Jah Joyner were all named honorable mention from both coaches and media. DT Jalen Logan-Redding, Justin Walley and Maverick Baranowski were all named honorable mentions by media.

2024 Minnesota Gophers All-Big Ten Honors – Special Teams

• 2nd team
  • RS Koi Perich (media)
• Honorable Mention
  • LS Alan Soukup (unanimous)
  • RS Koi Perich (coaches)
  • K Dragan Kesich (media)
  • P Mark Crawford (media)

One season after being named 1st Team All Big Ten, place kicker Dragan Kesich dropped down to a measly media-only honorable mention, in 2024. Koi Perich was named honorable mention by the coaches and 2nd team returner, by the media. Long snapper Alan Soukup (unanimous) and punter Mark Crawford (media) were also named honorable mention by both the coaches and media.

Latest mock shows conflicting feelings for Gophers Aireontae Ersery

Since the beginning of the 2024 season there have been rumblings regarding Aireontae Ersery as a first round pick. Physically he is as imposing as they come. He also has established himself as a premier talent at a necessary position. That doesn’t mean The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner doesn’t have concerns. Tabbed to go 27th for Washington, there are some red flags with the 6’6″ 330 pounder.

“Physically, Ersery (6-6, 330) is probably more impressive than Milum and might have a higher ceiling than late Round 1. That said, he’s had a solid fifth-year with the Gophers, but his performance has looked a lot like it did in 2023. In games versus Rhode Island, Nevada, UCLA and Maryland, he allowed just one total pressure; in games versus North Carolina, Iowa, Michigan, USC and Illinois, he allowed 10 combined.”

Baumgardner on Ersery (The Athletic)

It’s fair to be cautious when it comes to performance evaluation against stiff competition. Things will only get more difficult for Ersery at the next level. There could be a significant amount of emphasis placed on the outcome of Ersery’s game against Penn State. If Minnesota can grab a win on the road against Rutgers, they’ll face a ranked Penn State team at home out of a bye.

look at Aireontae Ersery (#69) getting across on the backside pic.twitter.com/shOgl4TUx0

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) November 2, 2024

Related: Minnesota Gophers LT Continues Climb Up Mel Kiper’s Big Board

At this point the Gophers are already a lock to make a bowl game. They could have conceivably been a top-15 team nationally had they handled business in a couple winnable games as well. A left tackle won’t ever be the player that stands out in the box score during a big matchup, but Ersery’s abilities will significantly impact how Minnesota finishes the year.

Related: Minnesota Gophers Snubbed in Both Polls, Especially AP

Just a bit more consistency, and higher level of play down the stretch, could go a long way to pushing Ersery into the top-half of the first round.

Aireontae Ersery looks like a first round pick for Minnesota Gophers

It shouldn’t be a shock that Aireontae Ersery continues to draw the eyes of NFL Draft evaluators. He is a hulking human being, and has been well on the radar since before the season started. His abilities at the left tackle position have allowed quarterback Max Brosmer and the offense to thrive. This week he continued to move up Mel Kiper’s big board.

“Ersery is a massive blocker who has made 35 career starts, nearly all of which at left tackle. He drives defensive ends off the ball with his power and uses his movement skills to keep quicker pass rushers in check.”

Mel Kiper on Aireontae Ersery (ESPN)

The last iteration of Kiper’s rankings had Ersery checking in at 19th. Now 16th, Ersery is the second-highest offensive tackle. He trails only Texas’ Kelvin Banks Jr. Both players have started an identical eight games and have allowed just a single sack.

Minnesota OT Aireontae Ersery has a legit shot to be the first OL taken in this class. One of the smoother moving 6’6 330 lbs prospects I have ever seen. He has had a fantastic start to the season and has his biggest test today against Michigan
pic.twitter.com/fki0gX7rsh

— We are back Ben Johnson (@TommyK_NFLDraft) September 28, 2024

Related: Accolades Raining Down on Gophers QB Max Brosmer

This weekend is another solid opportunity for Ersery to show his talent. Minnesota heads to Champaign for a game against the 24th ranked Illini. They are favored by three points after throttling a solid Maryland team at Huntington Bank Stadium last weekend.

Aireontae Ersery reaching Kenneth Grant on the first play of the game.

You have my attention, No. 69!!! pic.twitter.com/Rf1HbGE54l

— Dalton Miller (@DaltonBMiller) October 1, 2024

Related: What We Learned About the Minnesota Gophers in Dominant Win Over Maryland

If the Gophers are going to pick up a big road win over a ranked opponent, Ersery will again have an impact. His continued development may push him into the top 10 when April’s NFL Draft actually rolls around.

Minnesota’s front-five is experienced (outside of Center), and talented. The left tackle Aireontae Ersery, for example, is one of the best offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft class.

Minnesota Gophers Aireontae Ersery could be special

P.J. Fleck has been building momentum with the Minnesota Gophers for years. He landed the top in-state recruit for 2024 in Koi Perich, and he has coached some special talents.

Aireontae Ersery was on plenty of watch lists coming into the year, and being among those special talents, he’ll climb them this season. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper has already taken note. He has the Gophers star 25th on his debut big board.

“Ersery is a massive blocker who has made 28 career starts, nearly all of which at left tackle. He drives defensive ends off the ball with his power and uses his movement skills to keep quicker pass rushers in check. Ersery is a rising prospect in the early parts of the season.“

Mel Kiper on Aireontae Ersery (ESPN)

Aireontae Ersery is quickly becoming a favorite OT prospect of mine, big athletic tackle with lots of good to project to the NFL. pic.twitter.com/7SK31jPYU0

— ColeNFL (@colep_nfl) September 3, 2024

Max Brosmer was sacked five times for the Minnesota Gophers on Saturday, but none were let up by Ersery. The massive left tackle checks in at 6’6″ 330 pounds. He is a big human being, but uses his athleticism to stay agile in front of defenders.

Related: Gophers Football Cornerstone Ranked Among Best in the Nation

Kiper has Ersery as his fourth best offensive tackle in the nation. If the Gophers are doing to have success with Brosmer under center and Darius Taylor in the backfield, Ersery will play a key role.

Aireontae Ersery isn’t alone for the Gophers

Although Mel Kiper goes just 25 deep on his initial big board, Aireontae Ersery isn’t the only Minnesota Gophers player who draws a mention. Defensive end Jah Joyner is noted within the ten best at his position. Kiper puts the Gophers pass rusher fifth among the group.

#Minnesota EDGE Jah Joyner wins off the snap, initially misses Max Johnson but shows off his motor to sack him to finish the play. Explosive burst off the line. pic.twitter.com/N3U7iamQL7

— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) August 30, 2024

Against North Carolina, Joyner had six total tackles including 1.5 for losses and a 0.5 sack. Last season Joyner had a career-best 18 tackles in 13 games. He’s already one-third of the way to that total after just a single contest.

His 7.5 sacks last season are a high-water mark, but he’ll be looking to surpass that number this year. Minnesota’s defense has been turned over to new coordinator Corey Hetherman this season. The identity he looks to establish will be a work in progress.

Related: Former Viking on the Minnesota Gophers Call this Weekend

Although the offense sputtered out of the gate, the Gophers defense held the Tar Heels to just 19 points. The Gophers host Rhode Island on Saturday at 11 am as they seek their first win.

Two Minnesota Gophers make Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks list

But there are few doubts surrounding the left tackle position, where Minnesota have one of the most solid blind side protectors in the country, with 6’6″ 325 lb senior, Aireontae Ersery, out of Kansas City, MO. A 3-star prospect out of high school, Ersery has developed into an absolute freak.

25. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota, left tackle

That’s a good thing, in this case. When you make Bruce Feldman’s (The Athletic) annual “College Football Freaks List“, it means you’re also catching the eyes of just about every NFL scout and front office executive in the NFL. That’s especially true when you land in the top 25, which Ersery did, slotting into the 2024 list right at No. 25.

Once rated the No. 77 offensive tackle prospect in the Class of 2019 class, Ersery has grown into a 6-6, 330-pound standout in the Big Ten. His 86.7 PFF run-blocking grade is the highest among all returning FBS tackles (only Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga,a first-round pick this spring, was rated higher in 2023). According to PFF, Ersery only allowed one pressure on 23 pass-blocking snaps against Ohio State and its two star edge rushers: Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau.

Ersery squatted 640 pounds, bench pressed 412 and did a 409-pound hand clean this offseason, but his wheels are the most impressive aspect of his game. His 1.52-second 10-yard split is a program record for offensive linemen, and he clocked 18.34 mph on the GPS. Ersery posted a 27.5-inch vertical and a 9-2 broad jump along with a pro shuttle time of 4.61.

Bruce Feldman – The Athletic

Freaks list Minnesota LT Aireontae Ersery had a strong game against Ohio State last season. Listed at 6'6 330 and his run blocking is a strength, but he showed he could hang in pass pro against the Buckeyes EDGEs pic.twitter.com/OmRdjtjG8m

— Billy M (@BillyM_91) August 7, 2024

Related: Minnesota Gophers May Have Stumbled Upon Another Stud Running Back

But Aireontae Ersery wasn’t the only Gopher to make Feldman’s 2024 Freaks list. Nearly 50 spots down the article, at No. 72, sits senior outside linebacker, Cody Lindenberg, a hometown kid from Anoka, MN.

72. Cody Lindenberg, Minnesota, linebacker

Cody got onto campus one season after Ersery, as part of the 2020 recruiting class. The 6’3″, 235 lb freak battled a lot of injuries throughout his four years in Dinkytown. And Lindenberg’s rise to defensive leader didn’t happen overnight.

According to Gophers coaches, the 6-3, 240-pounder topped out at 21.46 mph; his pro shuttle time was 4.00 — no linebacker has moved that quick at the NFL combine since 2019, when WVU’s David Long did it in 3.97 seconds. Lindenberg broad-jumped 10-0 and vertical-jumped 36 inches. His 10-yard split was 1.51. His hang clean was 387 pounds, and he benched 350.

Bruce Feldman – The Athletic

With a good (healthy) 2024 season, has a chance to rocket himself up 2025 NFL Draft boards. Being named on this list is certainly a good start in making that dream come true. He certainly has all the tools to make it happen.

Here's what you need to know about Minnesota, which returns All-B1G talent everywhere.

> Solid WR room
> TE Brevyn Spann-Ford is the whole package
> Watch Danny Striggow at DE/OLB
> Cody Lindenberg is explosive at ILB
> DB Tyler Nubin is a problem

🔗: https://t.co/v6G809lFJR pic.twitter.com/JFOQ3zZvom

— Steve Marik (@Steve_Marik) August 30, 2023

Related: Gophers Were Spying on Fans at Practice… to Make Sure They Weren’t Being Spied On

Minnesota Gophers wide receiver, Le’Meke Brockington was named by Feldman as a Freak honorable mention. Brockington is a 6’0″, 195 lb junior who squats over 600 lbs. Of course, his season will largely depend on the competence of new QB Max Brosmer, and his ability to get his offensive freaks the football.