Gophers center John Michael Schmitz is expected to be the first player with Minnesota connections to be selected in the NFL draft, which begins Thursday. Here are some Gophers and Minnesotans to watch out for this week.
John Michael Schmitz, center, Gophers
Schmitz developed into one of the most reliable Big Ten offensive linemen over six seasons with the Gophers, including the last three years as a full-time starting center. He earned first-team All-America and All-Big Ten honors after 12 starts last season.
Mohamed Ibrahim, running back, Gophers
Ibrahim ran for a program-record 53 rushing touchdowns, and the former three-star recruit said he's at home as an underdog in this draft: "That comes with the territory.