Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2023? Meet Toledo's Desjuan Johnson, the last pick in this year's NFL Draft

Jacob Camenker

Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2023? Meet Toledo's Desjuan Johnson, the last pick in this year's NFL Draft image

The final pick of the 2023 NFL Draft is in, so you know what that means.

We officially have a new Mr. Irrelevant.

"Mr. Irrelevant" is the nickname given to the final pick of the NFL Draft. It started in 1976 at the behest of former NFL wide receiver Paul Salata, and it has carried on ever since.

Now, Desjuan Johnson will look to carry on that legacy and prove that he is one of the best Mr. Irrelevants of all time. He has a tough act to follow: 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is coming off a season in which he became one of the greatest Mr. Irrelevants ever. Perhaps Johnson can do the same with the Rams.

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Here's what to know about Desjuan Johnson and the overall history of Mr. Irrelevant.

Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2023?

Desjuan Johnson is Mr. Irrelevent in 2023.

Johnson is a defensive lineman who played his college ball at Toledo. The 6-2, 285-pounder played five years for the Rockets and was a monster in his final two seasons with the team. He generated a combined 135 tackles, 30 tackles for loss and 10 sacks during those campaigns.

Below is a look at his highlights from his senior season at Toledo:

Johnson will now look to earn a role on a defensive front for a team that has valued undersized linemen — like All-Pro Aaron Donald and 2023 third-round pick Kobie Turner — under Les Snead and Sean McVay. 

Johnson was listed by the Rams as a defensive tackle, but he could play defensive end in the NFL.

MORE: Grades & analysis for every pick in 2023 NFL Draft

What is Mr. Irrelevant?

"Mr. Irrelevant" is the title that is playfully bestowed upon the final player selected in the NFL Draft.

The nickname originated in 1976 when former 49ers and Colts receiver Paul Salata created a series of events known as "Irrelevant Week," which celebrated the final pick of the draft. Salata himself announced the final selection of the draft every year until 2013, at which point his daughter took over.

"Irreleveant Week" is held yearly in Newport Beach, Calif. The new Mr. Irrelevant and his family get to spend a week there while touring Disneyland, attending media availabilities and participating in a roast during which advice is given to the new draftee, among other activities.

The first Mr. Irrelevant was Dayton wide receiver Kelvin Kirk. He was selected by the Steelers with the 487th pick of the 17-round 1976 NFL Draft. The tradition has continued yearly in the 47 years since his selection.

MORE: Where Brock Purdy ranks among the Mr. Irrelevant quarterbacks

Mr. Irrelevant history

Kelvin Kirk was the first Mr. Irrelevant ever selected. Brock Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant in 2022, and the 49ers quarterback is one of the best to date. He emerged as a team's starter late in the season and helped lead San Francisco to an NFC championship game appearance.

The full list of the Mr. Irrelevant selections since the honor was first given in 1976:

Year Name Team Position
2023 Desjuan Johnson Rams DT
2022 Brock Purdy 49ers QB
2021 Grant Stuard Buccaneers LB
2020 Tae Crowder Giants LB
2019 Caleb Wilson Cardinals TE
2018 Trey Quinn Redskins WR
2017 Chad Kelly Broncos QB
2016 Kalan Reed Titans CB
2015 Gerald Christian Cardinals TE
2014 Lonnie Ballentine Texans S
2013 Justice Cunningham Colts TE
2012 Chandler Harnish Colts QB
2011 Cheta Ozougwu Texans DE
2010 Tim Toone Lions WR
2009 Ryan Succop Chiefs K
2008 David Vobora Rams OLB
2007 Ramzee Robinson Lions CB
2006 Kevin McMahan Raiders  WR
2005 Andy Stokes Patriots TE
2004 Andre Sommersell Raiders LB
2003 Ryan Hoag Raiders WR
2002 Ahmad Miller Texans DT
2001 Tevita Ofahengaue Cardinals TE
2000 Michael Green Bears DB
1999 Jim Finn Bears RB
1998 Cam Quayle Ravens TE
1997 Ronnie McAda Packers QB
1996 Sam Manuel 49ers LB
1995 Michael Reed Panthers DB
1994 Marty Moore Patriots LB
1993 Daron Alcorn Buccaneers K
1992 Matt Elliott Redskins C
1991 Larry Wanke Giants QB
1990 Demetrius Davis Raiders TE
1989 Everett Ross Vikings WR
1988 Jeff Beathard Rams WR
1987 Norman Jefferson Packers DB
1986 Mike Travis Chargers DB
1985 Donald Chumley 49ers DT
1984 Randy Essington Raiders QB
1983 John Tuggle Giants RB
1982 Tim Washington 49ers DB
1981 Phil Nelson Raiders TE
1980 Tyrone McGriff Steelers G
1979 Mike Almond Steelers WR
1978 Lee Washburn Cowboys G
1977 Jim Kelleher Vikings RB
1976 Kelvin Kirk Steelers WR

Jacob Camenker

Jacob Camenker Photo

Jacob Camenker first joined The Sporting News as a fantasy football intern in 2018 after his graduation from UMass. He became a full-time employee with TSN in 2021 and now serves as a senior content producer with a particular focus on the NFL. Jacob worked at NBC Sports Boston as a content producer from 2019 to 2021. He is an avid fan of the NFL Draft and ranked 10th in FantasyPros’ Mock Draft Accuracy metric in both 2021 and 2022.