Gophers defensive lineman Deven Eastern was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round of the NFL Draft on Saturday.
The Shakopee, Minn., native extended the Gophers’ streak of having a player taken in eight consecutive drafts since 2019. That streak was last equaled at the U in 2001-08.
“People love the development of him because the best years of his football are still ahead of him,” head coach P.J. Fleck said during the U’s Pro Day in March. “… In our culture, what the Row The Boat, H.Y.P.R.R. culture can do for you, he is the walking, talking example of it. How it can help shape your life, with your commitment level to it.”
Fleck credited Eastern’s strides in off-field maturity to help him be successful between the lines. The 6-foot-6, 320-pounder made 97 tackles, 4 1/2 sacks, five pass breakups and two forced fumbles in 45 career games for the U.
Eastern joins former U tight end Nick Kallerup on the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks. Ex-Minnesota defensive end Boye Mafe was drafted by Seattle in 2022, but he signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in the offseason.
Former Minnesota State Moorhead quarterback Jack Strand of Bloomer, Wis., told the Pioneer Press on Saturday he will sign as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. “I loved it when I went down there for my visit and I’m excited get to work,” he texted. “Should be a great QB room with guys who have played a lot of football (led by Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix) and a real explosive offense.” … Gophers wideout Le’Meke Brockington is also signing with Atlanta, while defensive lineman Jalen Logan-Redding is going to the L.A. Rams, per reporter Aaron Wilson.
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