The New York Jets selected Gophers linebacker Blake Cashman with the 157th overall pick (5th round) on Saturday.
Cashman, who walked on to the Gophers in 2015, played four seasons for the U of M and was a captain last season, racking up 104 tackles, 15 for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
The Eden Prairie native was also the MVP of the Holiday Bowl in the Gophers’ win over Washington State. During his high school years at Eden Prairie, he won four straight state titles.
NFL Draft analysts Lance Zierlein predicted he’s likely a backup or a core special-teamer.
It’s the second time this offseason that New York has turned to the state of Minnesota to try and upgrade their linebacker position.
When free agency opened in March, it appeared they had signed Anthony Barr, only for Barr to back out of the deal at the last minute and re-sign with the Vikings.
Obviously Cashman won’t be able to pull the same move, but hopefully he can find success in New York.
Other notables
Former Park Center High School star Amani Hooker was drafted by the Tennesse Titans in the fourth round. Hooker played college football at Iowa.
Cashman’s high school teammate and Wisconsin Badger Ryan Connelly was drafted 143rd overall (5th round) by the New York Giants.
Also, NDSU quarterback Easton Stick was taken by the Los Angelos Chargers in the firth round with the 166th pick.
