Gophers' draft prospects
Antoine Winfield Jr., S
Draft projection: Second round
Comment: Winfield is one of 59 prospects invited to participate in the virtual NFL draft starting Thursday. The unanimous All-America hopes to be a first-rounder just like his father, former Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield Sr. Winfield has unteachable instincts and playmaking ability. His one knock is size, at 5-9 and 203 pounds. NFL.com still grades him as a starter within his first two seasons as a pro.
Tyler Johnson, WR
Draft projection: Fourth or fifth round
Comment: With a historically deep bench of wide receivers available in this draft, Johnson's place is a little vague. The Gophers' record holder for receiving yards and touchdowns certainly has the film to make him an attractive pick. But his speed has always been a question mark, especially after he chose not to run the 40-yard dash at the combine and then couldn't at the canceled pro day. NFL.com grades the north Minneapolis native as a special teams or backup player.
Carter Coughlin, LB
Draft projection: Fifth or sixth round
Comment: Coughlin is moving back to his original outside linebacker position after taking on the edge rusher role for the Gophers. Being a tweener could hurt him, but he can establish himself as a special teams contributor. NFL.com has him as an end-of-roster or practice-squad player.
Kamal Martin, LB
Draft projection: Seventh round
Comment: Martin endured an injury-plagued senior season and has spent time regaining full fitness. He attracted scouts' attention early last season, but questions about his health have likely cooled those pursuits. NFL.com grades him as a priority free agent.
