It isn't just Notre Dame's game with UNC. The New Orleans Saints were one of nine teams in attendance for the Minnesota Golden Gophers' upset win against the Michigan Wolverines, per GopherHole.com, giving them a head start on their homework for the 2027 NFL Draft. Jeff Ireland's college scouting department has been busy this week.
One of the best players on the field was center Greg Johnson, starting just his second game at the pivot since the 2024 season. He spent most of 2023, 2025 and the first three games of 2026 lining up at left guard before moving back inside in a pinch. He can play tackle on both sides of the line, too. Johnson is listed at 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, and is regarded as a potential first-round pick. But Johnson isn't the only
prospect to keep an eye on from Minnesota. Edge rusher Anthony Smith broke out last year with 12.5 sacks in 13 games, and while he hasn't taken the quarterback down as often this season his pressure stats remain impressive. The fifth-year senior is listed at 6-foot-6 and 280 pounds and projects as a third-round pick.
Michigan has NFL talent of their own, even if this class isn't as highly-rated as past years. Edge rusher John Henry Daley (22 tackles for loss in 25 career games) is seen as a Day 2 pick who could be joined by cornerbacks Jyaire Hill (who sealed a win against Oklahoma earlier this year with a clutch interception) and Zeke Barry (21 career passes broken up).
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints got a good look at one of the 2027 draft's most compelling OL
