The New York Jets made a surprising choice with their final pick in the NFL Draft by selecting Alabama safety Jaylen Key as “Mr. Irrelevant.” Key transferred to Tuscaloosa after playing four years at UAB and appeared in 12 games for the Crimson Tide last season. While expectations are typically low for Mr. Irrelevant, there are still perks to being the final pick, such as a week of golfing, visiting Disneyland, and other activities in Newport Beach, California. Last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, Desjuan Johnson, had a decent season with the Los Angeles Rams, recording two sacks in 11 games played.
Although Mr. Irrelevant usually faces low expectations, there have been exceptions in the past. In 2022, Brock Purdy became the San Francisco 49ers’ starting quarterback after injuries to other players and led the team to an NFC title game and a Super Bowl appearance. Purdy has a 21-6 record as a starter with impressive passing stats, earning a Pro Bowl selection and finishing fourth in MVP voting. This shows that the final pick in the draft can still make a significant impact on the field.
Despite the title of Mr. Irrelevant, the final pick in the NFL Draft is still an important part of the sport. Teams will continue to acquire players as undrafted free agents after the draft, giving chances to players who were not selected in the seven rounds. It is important to remember that talent can be found anywhere, not just among the top picks in the draft. Fans can stay updated on sports news by following Fox News Digital’s sports coverage and subscribing to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter for the latest updates.
Overall, being named Mr. Irrelevant may have low expectations, but it can still lead to unexpected opportunities and success in the NFL. Players like Brock Purdy have shown that the final pick in the draft can defy expectations and make a significant impact on their team. The story of Mr. Irrelevant serves as a reminder that talent can be found in unexpected places and that every player, regardless of their draft position, has the potential to make a difference on the field.
