The NFL Draft is the moment when top college players officially take the leap and enter the pros. Every year, the draft includes seven rounds, but the total number of picks can change, usually ranging from 250 to 260. This variation happens because of the compensatory picks the NFL awards to certain teams.
While the first-round picks steal the spotlight, there’s always curiosity around how many total picks are made and who ends up as “Mr. Irrelevant,” the final pick in each draft. Let’s break down each draft from 2020 to 2024 and see who the final picks were.
How Many Players Are Drafted to the NFL? A Look At “Mr. Irrelevant”
The NFL Draft is a three-day event that showcases the best talent from college football. Day 1 begins with the much-anticipated first-round picks, where teams vie for the most promising athletes to strengthen their rosters. The draft continues through Friday and Saturday, the latter of which features the fourth through seventh rounds.
While every draft has a different total amount of picks, due to compensatory selections handed out by the NFL, every “last pick” gets the moniker of “Mr. Irrelevant.”
2020: LB Tae Crowder, New York Giants (255th overall, Georgia)
Crowder was drafted by the New York Giants as a linebacker and quickly made an impact, scoring a fumble recovery touchdown in his rookie season.
He spent nearly three seasons with the Giants before having short stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers. Now, he plays for the Birmingham Stallions in the United Football League.
2021: LB Grant Stuard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (259th overall, Houston)
Grant Stuard started his NFL journey with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a linebacker and quickly proved himself as a dependable special-teams player.
He later moved to the Indianapolis Colts and recently signed with the Detroit Lions as an unrestricted free agent, where he now wears jersey number 15.
2022: QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (262nd overall, Iowa State)
Purdy was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers as a quarterback and rose to prominence in 2022 by leading the team to the NFC Championship Game. He remains the starting quarterback and is seen as a key part of the 49ers’ future.
While there’s no news yet about a contract extension, he’s already begun his offseason training. Purdy is often regarded as the most successful “Mr. Irrelevant” due to his rise as a starter.
2023: DT Desjuan Johnson, Los Angeles Rams (259th overall, Toledo)
Johnson was picked by the Los Angeles Rams as a defensive tackle and played a rotational role in his rookie season. His four-year contract runs through the 2026 NFL season, securing his place on the Rams’ roster for at least four years, unless he’s traded or released.
2024: S Jaylen Key, New York Jets (257th overall, Alabama)
Jaylen Key, a safety, was drafted by the New York Jets after transferring from UAB to Alabama. He was chosen for his versatility and defensive skills, recording 60 tackles, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup during his final college season.
He is currently competing for a roster spot in the Jets’ secondary, which features established players like Chuck Clark and Tony Adams.
KEEP READING: Compensatory Picks in the 2025 NFL Draft: What They Are and Why They Matter
The 2025 NFL Draft hasn’t happened yet. It’s scheduled for April 24 to April 26. Once it wraps up, we’ll know who goes first overall and who earns the title of “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final pick.
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