Undrafted free agent Gophers: Rodney Smith agrees to sign with the Carolina Panthers, Sam Renner with the Los Angeles Rams

Several other Gophers players, passed over during the draft, could make their own deals with NFL teams in the next few days.

April 26, 2020 at 12:28AM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The Gophers made program history Saturday with five players drafted, the most in the modern-era seven-round format.

But a few others also signed pro deals as undrafted free agents, per the Gophers' Twitter account.

Running back Rodney Smith, a Georgia native, is connected to the Carolina Panthers, The six-year player, who came back from an ACL tear for his final season in 2019, set the school record for all-purpose yards at 5,441. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards this past season.

Defensive tackle Sam Renner, a former walk-on from Maple Grove, is linked to the Los Angeles Rams. He made 43 tackles this past season, including a team-high five sacks.

Several other Gophers could make similar moves, including running back Shannon Brooks, linebacker Thomas Barber and defensive ends Tai'yon Devers and Winston DeLattiboudere.

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