Saturday proved a busy day for Minnesota prospects and that continued until the final stages of the NFL Draft. Cornerback Chris Williamson became the fourth Gopher selected on the afternoon, the fifth overall of the draft.

The New York Giants selected Williamson with the 247th pick of the draft. This came after the Giants selected Gophers linebacker Carter Coughlin earlier in the seventh round.

After beginning his career at Florida, Williamson transferred to Minnesota in 2017. After making 11 appearances in 2018, Williamson played in all 13 games last season, providing a consistent presence for the Gophers at slot cornerback. He recorded 57 total tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown against South Dakota State.

Williamson did not receive an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine but did participate in the 2020 East-West Shrine Bowl where he made an impression on pro scouts. There, he was pegged as one of the event’s stand-out performers in practices.

With the selection of Williamson, Minnesota follows up its first 11-win season since 1904 with its most successful draft in three decades. It is the first time five Gophers have been selected in the same draft since 1990. Of those players, four have come from the defense, Williamson, Coughlin, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and linebacker Kamal Martin.