Gophers defensive end Anthony Smith shares the Big Ten Conference lead in sacks, which can serve as a tent pole in both his personal and the program’s overall goal of him being a first- or second-round pick in the NFL Draft come April.

If the imposing 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge rusher — who touts seven sacks across seven games — goes that high in the draft, Minnesota will extend its streak of having a player taken in the top 64 picks to seven consecutive years since 2020.

With the college season past its halfway mark, the Pioneer Press asked Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck which players are drawing the most attention from NFL teams.

Fleck mentioned Smith, running back Darius Taylor, wide receiver LeMeke Brockington, tight end Jameson Geers and defensive tackles Deven Eastern and Jalen Logan

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