2011 NFL Draft: 10 Possibilities for Mr. Irrevelant
Those who are selected with the last pick in the draft belong to a select group. The last pick in the draft "earns" the title Mr. Irrelevant. Some may see it as a negative connotation, but it becomes a badge of honor for all who are lucky enough to sneak into the draft with the last pick.
Mr. Irrelevant and his family earn a trip and get a chance to celebrate Irrelevant week, along with all of the perks that it entails.
Perhaps the most famous Mr. Irrelevant is kicker Ryan Succop. Last year, the lucky winner was Tim Toone, who you see above.
Let's take a look at the potential candidates for this year's Mr. Irrelevant designation.
No. 10: O.J. Murdock, WR, Fort Hays State
1 of 10O.J. Murdock dominated the Division II ranks, so much so that he was invited to the NFL combine. He has great hands and quickness. His tape is easy to fall in love with, but his size is questionable and scouts wonder if he simply took advantage of lesser competition.
Regardless, Murdock can play football. If he manages to slip all the way to the bottom of the draft, he is a steal. Fast-forward to 2:48 to see his breakaway speed.
No. 9: Brandyn Thompson, CB, Boise State
2 of 10
Brandyn Thompson's stats may be more impressive than his film. He has a tendency to be too aggressive in coverage. He isn't a cover corner who can take on the entire route tree, but he does produce huge plays and multiple pick games at times. He has the potential to be a hero or goat on any given game.
Boise State produces well-coached athletes. If nothing else, he will be a solid special teams contributor who can work his way into the nickle corner position.
No. 8: Mitch Mustain, QB, USC
3 of 10
Remember Mitch Mustain? He started for Arkansas for the majority of his freshman year, before transferring to USC in his sophomore year. Mustain is now attempting to be the next Matt Cassel. That is, he is attempting to be a USC backup drafted into the NFL.
Unfortunately for Mustain, he was busted selling phony adderall, which raises some character concerns. He also doesn't have Cassel's skill set. Even so, he could see a future in the NFL as a career backup and standout holder. He is truly one of the enigmas of this year's draft.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
No. 7: Craig Stevens, OLB, Auburn
4 of 10
Craig Stevens dominated the SEC ranks in 2009, earning a second team all-conference selection. Stevens was suspended for two games and had an anticlimactic comeback but could still manage to spark the interest of a team drafting with the last overall pick.
Stevens had a standout collegiate career on an NCAA powerhouse defense. It is quite possible a team takes a chance on him prior to the selection of Mr. Irrelevant.
No. 6: Patrick DiMarco, FB, South Carolina
5 of 10
Patrick DiMarco is a hard-nosed lead blocker out of South Carolina. He is a hard worker and has terrific hands as well. DiMarco has a wealth of experience lead blocking for pro caliber running backs against pro caliber defenders.
While there are usually only a few fullbacks selected in each draft class, DiMarco stands a chance to be one of the lucky ones who get their name called.
No. 5: Brett Brackett, TE, Penn State
6 of 10
There isn't a highly talented crop of tight ends this year, but it seems as though there will be a run on them in the late rounds. One tight end prospect who could surge up boards and into the draft is Brett Brackett.
Brackett has done his fair share of moving around the Nittany Lion lineup. He found a home at receiver, but projects better as a tight end in the NFL. His 6'6", 240-pound frame makes him a huge target. He will need to show he can inline block, but he should be able to secure a spot as a situational pass catching tight end, if nothing else.
No. 4: Nic Grigsby, RB, Arizona
7 of 10
Nic Grigsby is the sort of quick-hitter running back NFL scouts drool over. He has sub 4.4 speed and is a potential home run threat, especially when he gets the corner. His build may make him a liability in the injury department—as has been the case at times during his college career—but may find a home as a change of pace running back at the next level.
Unfortunately for Grigsby, it is unclear just how valuable he would be as a return man in the NFL. In the later rounds, it is especially important that athletes showcase their ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. This may cause him to slip all the way to the last pick, or potentially further.
No. 3: Saia Falahola, DT, ASU
8 of 10
Saia Falahola has a stout frame and a high motor. He will need to bulk up a bit from his current 307-pound weight if he wants to fit into a 3-4 scheme, but he could thrive under the right conditions. This should not be too big an issue, as he dropped a tremendous amount of weight upon entering college.
Falahola is a big man who could be coached up to be a rotational defensive lineman in either scheme. He is going to take a bit of work to develop but could be a success story if he reaches his potential.
No. 2: Ben Lamaak, C, Iowa State
9 of 10Ben Lamaak can play anywhere along the line but will likely find himself as a center at the next level.
He is 6'4", 320 pounds and has questionable athleticism. His length and weight could make him a mauling center in the NFL, but teams are not necessarily lining up to get a shot at such an athlete.
Lamaak needs to prove he can be consistent, but with some tweaking, his build could make him a serious contender for Mr. Irrelevant. A good offensive line coach should be able to utilize him, as his versatility makes him more valuable.
No. 1: Thomas Weber, K, Arizona State
10 of 10
Thomas Weber was once the most heralded kicker in the nation. A former All-American, his draft stock has steadily declined upon receiving the designation. Weber has a boot and is incredibly accurate. He can also be the emergency kicker if need be.
While his stock is not at its peak, if Weber can return to his All-American form, a team is going to get great value at this position. He can be a kickoff specialist and potential starting kicker immediately. Unfortunately, Ryan Succop has set the bar high for Mr. Irrelevant kickers.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
