The New England Patriots made Memphis cornerback Kobee Minor this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant” by taking him with the 257th and final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Minor played three seasons at Texas Tech and one at Indiana before his one year at Memphis. In 2024, he had 38 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six passes defended, two sacks and two forced fumbles.

“I love it,” Minor said regarding his draft selection, via 98.5 The Sports Hub. “It’s just fuel to my fire.”

The last player taken in the draft typically makes little impact in the NFL, but one exception was San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who led the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl in the 2023 season. He was Mr. Irrelevant in 2022.

Last season, Alabama safety Jaylen Key earned the nickname when he was selected last by the New York Jets.

The award was created by former Southern California wide receiver Paul Salata, who was drafted in the 10th round (118th overall) in 1951. That draft went 30 rounds and the process was shortened several times, ultimately shifting to seven rounds in 1994.

–Field Level Media