The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football program has long been a breeding ground for NFL talent, and the 2025 NFL Draft is no exception. Five standout players—Cody Lindenberg, Dragan Kesich, Aireontae Ersery, Drake Lindsey, and Anthony Smith—have declared for the draft, each bringing unique skills and experiences that have left an indelible mark on the Gophers’ football legacy.
Cody Lindenberg: Linebacker Extraordinaire.
Cody Linden
berg’s journey with the Golden Gophers has been nothing short of remarkable. Over his collegiate career, he amassed 94 tackles in his senior season, leading the team and showcasing his prowess as a linebacker. His defensive contributions were pivotal, including five tackles for loss, one sack, six pass breakups, and an interception. Lindenberg’s consistent performance earned him All-Big Ten honors, with a First Team selection from coaches and a Second Team nod from the media in 2024. His invitation to the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine and participation in the Senior Bowl underscore his readiness for the professional stage.
Dragan Kesich: Offensive Line Anchor.
Dragan Kesich’s tenure as an offensive lineman for the Gophers was marked by stability and excellence. Starting the final 38 games of his career at left tackle, he was a cornerstone of the offensive line. His exceptional performance in 2024 earned him the Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year award, along with First Team All-Big Ten honors. Additionally, Kesich received recognition as a Third Team AP All-American. His technical skills and leadership on the field have positioned him as a promising prospect for the NFL.
Aireontae Ersery: Dominant Offensive Tackle.
Aireontae Ersery’s physical attributes and on-field performance have made him a standout offensive tackle. Standing at 6’6.5″ and weighing 325 pounds, he possesses the size and agility coveted in the NFL. Ersery’s career includes 39 starts, with 38 at left tackle, demonstrating his durability and consistency. His accolades in 2024 include First Team All-Big Ten and Third Team AP All-American honors. Ersery’s ability to excel in play-action-heavy schemes and his movement blocking skills make him a valuable asset for NFL teams seeking to bolster their offensive lines.
Drake Lindsey: Versatile Quarterback.
Drake Lindsey’s versatility and leadership as a quarterback have been instrumental to the Gophers’ offensive strategies. His ability to adapt to various offensive schemes and his leadership on the field have been commendable. Lindsey’s commitment to the NFL reflects his dedication to advancing his career and contributing to the professional football landscape.
Anthony Smith
Anthony Smith’s presence on the defensive line has been a significant factor in the Gophers’ defensive strategies. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and his leadership on the field have been noteworthy. Smith’s commitment to the NFL underscores his dedication to advancing his career and contributing to the professional football landscape.
The departure of these five players marks a significant transition for the Minnesota Golden Gophers football program. Their contributions have been pivotal in shaping the team’s performance and reputation. As they embark on their professional careers, the Gophers will need to develop new talent to fill the void left by these accomplished athletes.
The commitment of Lindenberg, Kesich, Ersery, Lindsey, and Smith to the NFL is a testament to the University of Minnesota’s football program’s ability to develop players capable of succeeding at the highest level. Their journeys will inspire future generations of Gophers, and their legacies will be remembered as a significant chapter in the program’s history.
As these athletes prepare for the next phase of their careers, the Minnesota Golden Gophers football program remains committed to excellence, continually striving to develop talent that can compete at the highest levels of collegiate and professional football.
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