The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this weekend in Indianapolis, and the lone Gopher to get an invite will take part in the opening day on Thursday. Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Deven Eastern is in Indy and met with the media on Wednesday before being slated to participate in drills with the rest of the defensive linemen on Thursday beginning at 2 PM.
Eastern met with the media on Wednesday and confirmed he has had informal meetings with several NFL teams including the Green Bay
Packers, Detroit Lions, and his former teammate Aireontae Ersery’s squad the Houston Texans. Eastern is currently being projected as a potential late Day 3 pick in either the sixth or seventh round.
He also talked about now Michigan State DL coach and former Minnesota DL coach Winston DeLattiboudere and playing for him.
Thursday morning Eastern went through the official measurement process.
He then participated in the broad jump putting up an impressive mark.
He also would add a 27.5” vertical jump before the rest of the athletic drills later Thursday afternoon.
You can watch Eastern and the rest of the DL go through the drills on the NFL network beginning at 2 PM on Thursday.
