Dienhart: Minnesota Gophers in the last 10 NFL Drafts

Minnesota hasn?t been a hot-bed for producing NFL talent the last 10 years with just 14 draft choices in that span. But that could change in coming years, beginning with this year?s draft.

The Golden Gophers did not have any players drafted four times in the last 10 years-2013, 2012, 2011 and 2009. And check this out: The last time Minnesota had a quarterback drafted was 1972, when Craig Curry went in the 8th round.

Minnesota could have a few picks in this year?s draft, highlighted by defensive backs Briean Boddy-Calhoun and Eric Murray. Linebacker De?Vondre Campbell also has a good shot to be selected. All three took part in the Combine. This program is beginning to churn out some good defensive backs.

Here is a look at how the Gophers have done in the last 10 NFL drafts.

MINNESOTA DRAFT: 2006-2015
Highest pick: No. 21 overall, RB Laurence Maroney, 2006/Patriots
Most fertile draft: 2015, 2006, four picks
Total first-round selections: 1
Total picks: 14

Position breakdown

Defensive back: 3
Running back: 2
Tight end: 2
Linebacker: 2
Offensive line: 2
Defensive line: 2
Receiver: 1

Year by Year

2006
1 RB Laurence Maroney, Patriots
5 DT Anthony Montgomery, Redskins
6 C Greg Eslinger, Broncos
7 G Mark Setterstrom, Rams

2007
3 TE Matt Spaeth, Steelers

2008
6 FS Dominique Barber, Texans

2009
None

2010
3 WR Eric Decker, Broncos
5 LB Nate Triplett, Vikings

2011
None

2012
None

2013
None

2014
2 DT Ra?Shede Hageman, Falcons
4 SS Brock Vereen, Bears

2015
2 TE Maxx Williams, Ravens
4 LB Damien Wilson, Cowboys
5 RB David Cobb, Titans
5 FS Cedric Thompson, Dolphins