Minnesotans in the Draft

The NFL has lifted its lockout via the order of Judge Susan Nelson from the great state of Minnesota and the NFL is now back in business. Now this would not have affected the draft, it does bring more attention to the work that needs to be done on the field, rather than off it. (at least for now).

Other than the Vikings needs, you might be wondering who are the local talents that are hoping to be picked and placed in NFL uniforms. Any Gophers on that list? Below is what the TCW has dug up on the local guys.

Minnesota Gophers
The Gophers officially have 8 players listed as eligible for the draft: Adam Weber QB, RJ Buckner RB, Jon Hoese FB, Curtis Hughes TE, Jeff Wills OT, Dominic Alford OG, Kyle Theret S, and Eric Ellestad K.

Don't expect to hear any of these names called during the 3 day event. In fact, any of these guys will be lucky just to get a free agent contract. Adam Weber is the most recognizable face and he's ranked as the 16th best QB, so he'll likely be signed by someone and is the only outside shot at a Gopher draft pick. Fox9 did a story on Adam and his NFL chances you can watch here. Eric Ellestad is the 25th ranked kicker. Jon Hoese is the 46th ranked FB (all rankings found on CBS sportsline). Curtis Hughes is the 66th ranked TE. Kyle Theret is the 81st ranked Safety and the other guys are all above 100 in their own position rankings.

There might be a better chance of getting a college draft pick from Duluth than Minneapolis. I'm not joking, the D2 National Champion UMD Bulldogs have a stud running back in Isaac Odim who ranks 45th in RBs. What a year it would be for UMD if Odim made it to the NFL. He's no slouch in the classroom either and also likes to write. You can check his blog out here for an in-depth look at life of an NFL prospect.

There are several Minnesotans that played there college ball elsewhere that you may hear get there name called. These local guys have a chance (College).

RB Rankings
40th - Alexander Robinson, Minneapolis (Iowa State)

TE Rankings
49th - Jordan McMichael, Breck (Boston College)

OLB Rankings
64th - Blake Sorensen, Eden Prairie (Wisconsin)

WR Rankings
73rd - David Gilreath, New Hope (Wisconsin)

What will the Vikings do at #12, well there could be an interesting tie-in if the Gophers decide to go with Cameron Jordan, DE out of California. He's the son on Vikings TE great (good) Steve Jordan. No joke, he's a first round talent that won't be around long after the Vikings pick if they pass on him or if he's gone already. In fact many draft boards have him ranked, you guessed it, 12th overall.

Well that's all for now, I apologize if I missed a name or two, or underevaluated anyone. Maybe Kill will turn things around down on University Ave and turn some recruits into bonified NFL players. Oh how ironic that we long for the Glen Mason days...

Until next time, remember to that leather and rain don't mix.

Brock
TCW