Ahead of Vince McMahon's XFL re-launch in 2020, the football league's first annual draft took place this week, and Minnesotans might recognize a few players.

Not only were former Vikings taken by the eight teams in the league, but there's a few former Gopher football standouts too. Starting with the Vikings, here's who was taken in the draft this week – funnily enough most of them were offensive lineman.

OL Storm Noron, Los Angeles Wildcats

OL Willie Beavers, Dallas Renegades

OL John Keenoy, Dallas Renegades

OL Zac Kerin, New York Guardians

OL Cornelius Edison, Houston Roughnecks

WR Jeff Badet, Dallas Renegades

WR Stacy Coley, Dallas Renegades

LB Edmund Robinson, Houston Roughnecks

TE Nick Truesdell, Tampa Bay Vipers

It's worth noting Badet and Truesdell were taken 5th and 6th overall respectively in the first round.

Meanwhile, a few former Gopher football players were also taken, including prep star and former Minnesota Mr. Football winner Phillip Nelson.

QB Phillip Nelson, Dallas Renegades

LB Jonathan, DC Defenders

CB Jale Myrick, DC Defenders

If you're looking for a team to root for, going with the Dallas Renegades seems like the logical choice since they drafted five players that have Minnesota ties.

The XFL Draft was not a traditional one – because of course it wasn't – instead, the league broke the draft into five phases.

Skilled positions Offensive linemen Front seven defenders Defensive backs Special teams/remaining players

The XFL season kicks off Saturday, February 8, 2020 – one week after the NFL Super Bowl. Games will be broadcasted on ESPN and Fox Sports.

Hopefully Vince McMahon has a better go of it this time around as the first time around, the league folded after one season.