The NFL Draft, Free Agents and Gopher Football

The NFL wrapped up this weekend. The Vikings selected more players than they’ve selected since the draft was 12 rounds deep. And the Gophers had one player selected after not having anybody selected in the 2018 Draft. Here’s a look at who was drafted and who else are getting opportunities with NFL teams to show they deserve a rosters spot.

DRAFTED

Blake Cashman, the former walk-on who became a fiercely productive starting linebacker, was taken in the 5th round by the New York Jets.

Gang Green Nation seems to be pleased that Cashman fell to them in the 5th round.

Unrestricted Free Agent

Donnell Greene was the only Gopher to receive a free agent offer. Greene was a JUCO transfer who came to the Gophers with 3 years of eligibility. By his senior season he had became our starting left tackle and had a great final year.

He was signed by Jacksonville and will have an opportunity to make an impression and earn a spot on their roster. Of the 21 UFAs that Jacksonville signed, only 2 are offensive linemen.

Mini Camp Invitations

These guys didn’t exactly get a contract yet, but they do have the opportunity to attend a mini camp to earn their way to training camp.

• Emmit Carpenter - Headed to Chicago where he can look to replace Double-Doink Cody Parker.

• Gary Moore - Cleveland has invited Moore to their mini camp.

Those are the four names to have a shot at playing on Sundays after distinguished Gopher careers. Best of luck to these guys as they continue to put their oars in the water.