Mr Irrelevant 2015: Gerald Christian's Scouting Report, Background, Expectations

With the 256th and final pick in the 2015 NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals bestowed the title of Mr. Irrelevant upon tight end Gerald Christian of Louisville, which at the very least will make him keen trivia fodder for years to come.  

Bleacher Report provided a photo of Christian's commemorative jersey:

ESPN Stats & Info notes he won't have to learn a new team nickname:

2012 Mr. Irrelevant Chandler Harnish—drafted as a quarterback by the Indianapolis Colts that year and now on the Cardinals' roster—was on hand to announce the pick.

Christian became the 10th Louisville player drafted in 2015. He transferred to the school after playing in 2011 at Florida and sitting out the 2012 season.

Year	School	REC	YDS	AVG	TD
2011	Florida	4	72	18.0	1
2013	Louisville	28	426	15.2	4
2014	Louisville	32	384	12.0	5

Being the last pick in the NFL draft makes any player a long shot at a solid NFL career (or even making the roster), but it's far from a football death sentence. ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss provided some info on how four recent Mr. Irrelevants are faring:

"

Of the past six Mr. Irrelevants, four are currently on NFL rosters. Defensive back Lonnie Ballantine (2014) plays for the Texans, tight end Justice Cunningham (2013) plays for the Rams, Harnish (2012) plays for the Cardinals and kicker Ryan Succop (2009) plays for the Titans.

"

Christian would certainly appear to have a fine shot at making the Cardinals roster and perhaps even dressing out on game day. The Cardinals had very limited production from the tight end position in 2014. John Carlson led Arizona's tight ends with 33 catches for 350 yards and just one touchdown.

His other competition at tight end will be Troy Niklas and Darren Fells, neither of whom has distinguished himself as a pass-catcher. Some teams indeed carry four tight ends, so it is possible all four could make the roster.

Garry Jones/Associated Press

Christian doesn't flash great speed at the tight end position (4.87-second 40-yard dash) and doesn't possess intimidating size at 6'3", 244 pounds. But NFL.com noted his ability to make catches in traffic:

"

A competitive, move tight end with an ability to make contested catches that other tight ends will struggle with. While he won't look as natural and fluid as you would expect, the tape shows a guy who can get separation in space. Has traits to be a quality player who brings diversity and toughness to an offense.

"

With limited competition and little pressure to jump into a starting role, Christian should be able to work his way onto the Cardinals roster or at the very least the practice squad.

While having a shot at making an NFL roster is a dream come true for a great many aspiring professional football players and a more than sufficient reward for years of hard work, Mr. Irrelevant gets a bit more than that.

As has long been tradition, Christian will spend some time in July in Newport Beach, California, where he will be celebrated for being the final draft pick and receive the Lowsman Trophy. This is the 40th year of "Irrelevant Week" in Orange County.