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Going Pro: Gophers Gearing up for First NFL Season - GopherSports.com

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Football | 8/23/2020 6:00:00 AM

Over the past calendar year, the University of Minnesota football team has reached unprecedented heights, rewriting the record books on a consistent basis. Among some of those accolades, the Golden Gophers saw five former players -- Antoine Winfield Jr., Tyler Johnson, Kamal Martin, Carter Coughlin, and Chris Williamson -- have their names called in this year's 2020 NFL Draft. The group marks the largest draft class the program has seen in the NFL Draft's modern era. This offseason, GopherSports has followed along as these five rookies pursue their dreams of making an NFL roster.
 

Antoine Winfield Jr. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As the 45th overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Winfield Jr. found himself as the highest drafted Golden Gopher since Ra'Shede Hageman in 2014, and for good reason. The 2019 unanimous All-American and Bronko Nagurski award finalist tallied 177 tackles, nine interceptions, and three touchdowns while wearing the Maroon & Gold. Now, Winfield looks to follow in his father's footsteps and become a perennial starter on Sundays. According to Buccaneers head coach, Bruce Arians, that goal may come sooner rather than later. 
 

Tyler Johnson - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tyler Johnson finished his career in the upper echelon of all-time Gopher receivers, breaking single-season records in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. Johnson was granted the opportunity to follow his teammate after being drafted by Tampa Bay in the fifth round. While Johnson has yet to play a snap in the Buccaneers uniform, he already has a stellar performance to his name in Raymond James Stadium. With now head coach Bruce Arians in attendance at the Outback Bowl earlier this year, Johnson recorded 10 receptions, 204 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the 31-24 win against the Auburn Tigers. Hear Bruce Arians' reaction to Johnson's performance, and his thoughts on being able to add Johnson to the Buccaneer's draft class.
 

Kamal Martin - Green Bay Packers
After a standout career at Minnesota, Kamal Martin was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round with the 175th pick. While in the Maroon and Gold, Martin recorded 177 tackles (106 solo), made 13 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks. As an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2019, he made 66 tackles in eight games and led the team with an average of 8.25 tackles per game. Martin also forced two fumbles and made two interceptions before his senior season came to an end. Martin will have a chance to earn a role on Green Bay's defense right away and is expected to make an impact on special teams as a rookie. 
 

Carter Coughlin - New York Giants
The New York Giants selected Carter Coughlin in the seventh round with the 218th overall pick in the draft. The legacy Gopher played in 49 career games and was one of the best to wear the maroon and gold. Coughlin leaves Minnesota ranked third all-time in sacks (22.5) and fourth all-time in tackles-for-loss (40.0). He also broke up four passes – all in his senior season – and forced seven fumbles and recovered one. Coughlin was named All-Big Ten Second Team in 2019 and 2018 and was honored with the team's Carl Eller Award in 2018, which is presented to the team's outstanding defensive player. The Giants have Coughlin slated to be a contributing factor on special teams and get meaningful snaps as a powerful pass rusher. 
 

Chris Williamson - New York Giants
Chris Williamson was drafted at No. 247 by the New Giants. Williamson played 24 career games in two years for the Gophers after transferring to Minnesota from Florida. He made 91 tackles (58 solo), which included 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. A force in the defensive backfield, Williamson added two interceptions, broke up nine more and forced one fumble as a Gopher. Giants Head Coach Joe Judge sees Williamson as a player who will be able to contribute in multiple ways. "This is a guy who's going to have some combination corner to safety," Judge said when the Giants drafted Williamson. "He'll bring some position flexibility in the defensive backfield and we look for him to compete at multiple positions this year." 
 


Be sure to stay tuned to GopherSports.com and our social media channels to stay up to date with these #Gophers pro careers!

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