The final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft is in, and that means the Mr. Irrelevant club has a new member.
“Mr. Irrelevant” is the nickname given to the final player selected in the NFL Draft. The term was coined by former 49ers and Colts receiver Paul Salata to honor the last player taken.
This year’s final draft selection belonged to the 49ers. They made Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy, the 47th official Mr. Irrelevant with the 262nd overall pick.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Mr. Irrelevant:
2022 NFL DRAFT:
Complete list of picks | Grades | Winners & losers
Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2022?
Brock Purdy, QB, Iowa State
The 49ers selected Purdy with the 262nd pick of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Purdy (6-1, 212 pounds) was a four-year starter for the Cyclones and made 47 starts during his collegiate career. He threw for a school-record 12,170 yards with 81 touchdowns and 33 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,177 yards and 19 touchdowns in those four seasons.
He was the Big 12 True Freshman of the Year in 2018 and twice was named a Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist. He was chosen first-team All-Big 12 in 2021 by The Associated Press.
Purdy will slot in as the 49ers’ fourth-string quarterback. He will battle Nate Sudfeld for third-string duty but could be bumped up the depth chart if the 49ers trade Jimmy Garoppolo.
What is Mr. Irrelevant?
“Mr. Irrelevant” is the title bestowed upon the final player selected in the NFL Draft.
The term originated in 1976 with former 49ers and Colts receiver Paul Salata, who created a series of events known as “Irrelevant Week” to celebrate the final pick of the draft. He announced the selection every year until 2013, at which point his daughter took over.
As part of “Irrelevant Week,” the new Mr. Irrelevant and their family get to spend a week in Newport Beach, Calif., including trips to Disneyland, a golf tournament, a roast giving advice to the new draftee and more.
Dayton wide receiver Kelvin Kirk became the first Mr. Irrelevant when he was taken by the Steelers with the 487th pick of the 17-round 1976 draft.