Tracking Gophers landing spots on NFL draft Day 3: Joyner, Brosmer, more

Several former Minnesota Golden Gophers football players will have their childhood dreams realized today during the final day of the 2025 NFL draft. Whether they end up getting picked or they sign a contract as an undrafted free agent, they'll join an NFL team and head to rookie minicamp soon, where they'll look to make a strong first impression and earn a spot on the roster or practice squad this fall.

Two Gophers have already heard their name called during the draft's first two days. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery went 48th overall to the Houston Texans, marking the sixth straight year P.J. Fleck's program has had a player drafted in the first two rounds. On Day 2, cornerback Justin Walley was taken slightly higher than most mocks had him going, as the Indianapolis Colts made him the 80th overall pick in the third round.

Who's next? Defensive lineman Jah Joyner and linebacker Cody Lindenberg might be the two players with the best chance to get selected at some point in the later rounds on Saturday. Quarterback Max Brosmer, wide receiver Daniel Jackson, and guard Tyler Cooper could all possibly hear their name called as well. And maybe there will be a surprise draft pick that few see coming. Even if any of those players aren't drafted, they'll surely get an opportunity to sign with a team as an undrafted free agent.

Below, we'll be tracking every former Gopher who lands with an NFL team before the day is over.

Day 1 and 2 picks

LT Aireontae Ersery — Houston Texans, Round 2, Pick 48
CB Justin Walley — Indianapolis Colts, Round 3, Pick 80

Day 3 picks

LB Cody Lindenberg — Las Vegas Raiders, Round 7, Pick 222

Lindenberg was with Minnesota for five years, playing in 38 games. He had a career year in 2024 with 94 tackles, five TFL, six passes defended, and an interception. The Anoka, Minn., native can contribute on special teams at the NFL level.

UDFAs

Quarterback Max Brosmer is staying in Minneapolis, signing with the Minnesota Vikings on a deal that includes $250,000 guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He'll join a quarterback room that features J.J. McCarthy, new acquisition Sam Howell and Brett Rypien.
Edge rusher Jay Joyner is signing with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. He'll join teammate Lindenberg, who was drafted in the seventh round by the Raiders.
Linebacker Danny Striggow agreed to a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to sports agency Priority Sports.
Wide receiver Daniel Jackson is headed to the Houston Texans.
Cornerback Ethan Robinson is signing with the Miami Dolphins.
Guard Tyler Cooper is joining the Green Bay Packers.
Linebacker Jack Henderson has a deal with the Carolina Panthers.