Three former Bemidji State Beavers have earned the chance to prove themselves in front of NFL coaches and try to get their way onto an NFL roster as defensive backs Gunner Olszewski and John Vogeler, as well as wide receiver Landon Jones, have all accepted rookie minicamp invites.

All three will be participating in the Vikings rookie minicamp later this week, and Olszewski will also attend the Patriots minicamp a week later.

While Minnesota will work Olszewski out at his natural positions in the secondary and on special teams, New England sees his skill set translating to a slot receiver in the NFL, a position shift that he thinks will come easy to him.

Jones sees his speed as his greatest asset and hopes to show that off in front of the Vikings coaching staff. While the pressure will be on to perform, Jones is confident he can rise to the challenge.

Vogeler is anxious to get a shot to prove himself, especially given that he’ll have two of his former teammates competing right by his side.

By — AJ Feldman