The Gophers have a handful of former players hoping to make it in the NFL.

Eric Decker became the highest-drafted wide receiver in the history of the program, going to the Denver Broncos in the third round. Linebacker Nate Triplett went to the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round.

Five ex-Gophers players also signed as undrafted free agents: punter Blake Haudan with Carolina, linebacker Simoni Lawrence with St. Louis, tight end Nick Tow-Arnett with Dallas, defensive tackle Garrett Brown with Kansas City and cornerback Traye Simmons with San Diego.

Cornerback Marcus Sherels and defensive end Barrett Moen will also get a tryout with the Vikings at their rookie minicamp this weekend, though they don’t have contracts.