Two Minnesota Gophers Declare for NFL Draft
The only thing left this season for the Minnesota Gophers football team is to ensure that head coach P.J. Fleck gets a celebratory mayonnaise bath, on January 3, after a victory in the Duke Mayo Bowl. Until then, it’s about roster turnover, mostly for next season. Guys are transferring in, transferring out… and declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Quarterback Max Brosmer led the 2024 Minnesota Gophers offense, after transferring from FCS New Hampshire. He made quick friends with left tackle Aireontae Ersery, who’s been a projected as a late day 1 pick for months.
Minnesota Gophers LT Aireontae Ersery declares for 2025 NFL Draft
The standout bookend was among the best tackles in the country, and still has one season remaining of college eligibility. But he won’t use it. On Friday, Ersery announced that he is heading to the NFL.
Met god halfway 🫱🏽🫲🏾#KCMO pic.twitter.com/QyLtKr8rsF
— Aireontae L Ersery (@Aireontae_69) December 20, 2024
Over the last three years, Ersery has started 37 games for the Gophers. He excels as a pass blocker, but can run block too. No doubt, Aireontae’s presence on the left side made life a lot easier on Brosmer, during his one-and-done season in Dinkytown.
Ersery, who will not be participating in the Duke Mayo Bowl, carried a 79.7 PFF grade this season, which included a 80.0 pass block grade and 75.2 run block grade. If he’s drafted in the 1st round, as projected, Aireontae Ersery will become the second Gopher drafted on day one, under PJ Fleck.
Related: 49ers Suspend Former Minnesota Gopher for Conduct Detrimental to the Team
The only 1st round draft pick PJ’s produced, since taking over as Gophers head coach in 2017, is Rashod Bateman (27th overall – 2021). Other offensive linemen who have been drafted, since Fleck took over, are Daniel Faalele (4th round – 2022) and John Michael Schmitz (2nd round – 2023).
One of Us Cody Lindenberg also declaring for draft
Cody Lindenberg joined Ersery Friday, in declaring for the NFL Draft. The Anoka, Minnesota native will also forego his final season of college eligibility. This decision wasn’t as cut and dry, as Ersery’s, who everyone knew was leaving after this season.
All glory to God! pic.twitter.com/ESQmKi5Z5X
— Cody Lindenberg (@cody_lindenberg) December 20, 2024
There was some late steam that Cody may stay in Dinkytown for his final season of eligibility, but in the end, he’s decided to take his talents to the NFL, and that is probably the right decision. Just because you’re a draft prospect this year, doesn’t mean next year will be the same thing. Strike while the iron is hot.
Over his five year collegiate career, Lindenberg played in just 38 games for Minnesota, thanks to injury issues. In 2024, however, the homegrown Minnesota linebacker racked up 94 total tackles in just 12 games, which easily led the team. He also recorded his second career sack, and intercepted the first and only pass of his Gophers career.
Related: Minnesota Gophers Land One All-American… Barely
It remains to be seen where Lindenberg will be selected, but he has great size and high-end football IQ. Given the success Minnesota has had with producing NFL linebackers, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him rise up draft boards, as we inch closer to April.
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