Insider notes on Minnesota Golden Gophers: Draft grades on top prospects ft. A.J. Turner, Darius Taylor, and more

Despite being in a holding pattern on the field and in the Big 10, Minnesota has had a lot of early draft picks recently, placing at least one player in the top 60 every year since 2020. The future is led by a pair of knockout juniors who could be early draft picks if they enter the 2026 selection process.

Is he a defensive tackle or defensive end? That’s the questions scouts will eventually have to answer, yet there is no denying that junior Anthony Smith is a terrific prospect and potential impact defensive player. Used primarily at defensive end in the Gophers’ three-man line, Smith is an explosive athlete who can rush the passer and get out into space to make plays. He possesses size, growth potential and plays with great fundamentals, getting leverage on blockers and making good use of his hands. Smith accounted for 11.5 TFLs and six sacks last season, yet he’s just scratching the surface of his ability.

Not far behind Smith is running back Darius Taylor. A three-down back, Taylor is a creative ball carrier who makes defenders miss, shows a burst of speed and picks up big chunks of yardage from the line of scrimmage. He’s also a terrific pass catcher out of the backfield. Scouts estimate Taylor to measure around six feet even and 215 pounds, and the junior shows the traits necessary to develop into a feature running back on Sundays.

Deven Eastern is an explosive interior defender with a great first step and the ability to disrupt the action. Fundamentally sound, he possesses an outstanding arm-over move and flashes power. He must improve and play with more consistent strength at the point, yet Eastern has an upside.

Minnesota Prospects
Grade	Rnd	Pos	Full Name	Yr	#
3.83	2nd	DT	Anthony Smith	4Jr	0
3.79	3rd	RB	Darius Taylor	3Jr	1
3.36	6th	DT	Deven Eastern	5Sr	91
3.06	FA	RB	A.J. Turner	4Jr	2
3.05	FA	DT	Jalen Logan-Redding	5Sr	97
3.03	FA	OLB	Devon Williams	5Sr	9
2.94	FA	G	Dylan Ray	5Sr	73
2.94	FA	TE	Jameson Geers	5Sr	86
2.93	FA	G	Marcellus Marshall	5Sr	74