Deven Eastern was the lone Gophers player selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, which extended a streak of eight consecutive years with a player from the program hearing their name called. Let's rank the top five players on the current roster who have the best chance of keeping the streak going at the 2027 NFL Draft. 1. Anthony Smith, DL Smith was probably the best NFL prospect on the 2025 Gophers roster, so that will certainly be the case again in 2026. A way-too-early big board for the 2027 NFL Draft from CBS Sports already ranks Smith as the 21st-best prospect in the class. If he continues to show improvement this season with Minnesota, he has a legit chance to hear his name called in the top 50 picks of next spring's draft. Aug 28, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Anthony Smith (0) celebrates a sack against the Buffalo Bulls during the first half of the game at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images 2.…