Minnesota football’s “Row the Boat” mentality was on full display in front of NFL scouts at their annual Gophers Pro Day in Dinkytown’s Athlete’s Village.
All five Gophers players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine participated in pro day events, including quarterback Max Brosmer and projected second-round pick Aireontae Ersery.
Linebacker Cody Lindenberg recorded a 36.5-inch vertical. Despite missing combine workouts due to injury, he remained grateful for the experience.
“It was unbelievable. To get a chance to be around not only NFL coaches but also other guys from around the country shooting for the same opportunity was really cool,” Lindenberg said.
Although Lindenberg is no stranger to injuries, he said scouts do not seem concerned about his non-serious injury history.
Brosmer, who did not compete in the athletic testing portion of the combine, showcased his quick-release skills and intermediate throws near the end of the day.
A majority of Brosmer’s college football career occurred at the University of Rhode Island, but Brosmer sees his on-field success after only one season at Minnesota as a resume builder.
“I think learning a new system and learning how to be a part of a new team will translate down the line in my career,” Brosmer said.
Of the 12 players not invited to the combine, cornerback Ethan Robinson shined the brightest. Robinson recorded what would have been a cornerback combine-best vertical of 42 inches.
On the practice field, Robinson recorded a broad jump distance of 10 feet and seven inches, which would have ranked seventh among cornerbacks at the combine.
Robinson said the pro day allowed him to display his explosiveness and athleticism. He showed off both of those attributes earlier this year at the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl.
“It was really hectic because I was invited late to the bowl, but it was great to go down there and compete with some of the best,” Robinson said.
During special teams drills, kicker Dragan Kesich made a 65-yard field goal, eclipsing his career-long distance by 11 yards.
Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck said the 2025 Gophers Pro Day was much different from his first one in 2017.
“When I got here, there were around two NFL scouts, and now there’s 73,” Fleck said. “That’s a compliment to our players, our culture, and the administration of the University of Minnesota.”
Fleck said many of his recruits come out of high school already intent on making their NFL dreams come true.
“That’s why you coach, to take guys from where they are to where they want to be, and there’s a lot of people involved in that process,” Fleck said.
Notable attendees of Gophers Pro Day included Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, defensive coordinator Brian Flores and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah.
The 90th annual NFL Draft runs from April 24 – 26, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Last year, safety Tyler Nubin was the only Gopher to be selected at the draft after the New York Giants selected him in the second round with the 47th overall pick.
