Minnesota Gophers Chosen in the 2023 NFL Draft

After their successful 9-4 record last season, there were expectations that several Minnesota Gophers Football players would hear their names called sometime during the 2023 NFL Draft. At the top of that list was All-American center John Michael Schmitz. After a very productive NFL Pro Day performance, there were even whispers that he might be chosen somewhere in the first round.

First Minnesota Player Drafted

Well, the first day of the draft ended and he had not been drafted yet. But with the 57^th overall pick of the draft, the New York Giants selected Schmitz to be their center of the future. Schmitz is the highest Minnesota center to be drafted since 1989 when the Giants chose Brian Williams with the 18th overall pick.

With the drafting of Schmitz, the Minnesota Gophers have now had a first or second-round pick in four consecutive drafts. Also, at least one Gophers player has been chosen in the last five drafts. This is a testament to coach P.J. Fleck for the quality of players they are attracting to the program. It is also a testament to these student-athletes for realizing their on-field potential.

The expectation is that Schmitz will be given every chance to win the starting center position with the Giants. Incumbent centers, Jon Feliciano (San Francisco 49ers) and Nick Gates (Washington Commanders) bolted the team in free agency. The Giants are ecstatic about Schmitz’s combination of size and explosiveness. They are also high on his intelligence and leadership abilities.

Two Gophers Defensive Backs Chosen

Two more Minnesota Gophers heard their names called, both in the draft’s fifth round. With the 146^th overall pick, the New Orleans Saints selected Gophers safety Jordan Howden. And with the 165^th pick, the Chicago Bears chose cornerback Terell Smith. The Gophers have now had five defensive backs chosen in the last four NFL drafts. This group is led by Tampa Bay’s Antoine Winfield Jr. who was the 45th overall pick in the 2020 draft.

The versatile Howden will be expected to play all over the Saints’ defensive backfield. He is a sure tackler who has excelled at run support. The speedy Smith has excellent footwork and is a pesky defender. At the start of their careers, they should at least see regular duties on their respective club’s special teams units.

More Minnesota Gophers Sign Contracts

After the draft ended, six more Minnesota Gophers players were signed as undrafted free agents by NFL teams. Running back Mo Ibrahim was signed by the Detroit Lions and quarterback Tanner Morgan inked a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Nobody has a bigger heart than Ibrahim so here’s hoping he can catch on in some capacity with the Lions. And Morgan should slot in well as the third quarterback behind Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trublisky.

Defensive end Thomas Rush was picked up by the Tennessee Titans and middle linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin was acquired by the San Francisco 49ers. There was a demand for Rush’s services so the Titans must have a plan for him in their 3-4 defensive scheme. It’s a crowded linebacker room in San Francisco, but maybe Sori-Marin can carve a niche for himself on their special teams’ units.

Filiaga has a Chance to Start as a Rookie

Finally, guard Chuck Filiaga earned a spot with the rival Green Bay Packers and placekicker Matthew Trickett was signed by the Atlanta Falcons. There are some openings on the Packers’ front five so hopefully Filiaga can slide into one of those slots. And Trickett is headed to the Falcons to compete with incumbent kicker Younghoe Koo.

Go Luck to the Pro-Bound Minnesota Gophers

So good luck to all of the NFL-bound Minnesota Gophers. Here’s hoping that they all have long, successful NFL careers and that the stream of pro-caliber players continues with future Gophers squads.