Mr. Irrelevant is the nickname given to the last pick of the NFL draft since 1976, and this year the Broncos’ late-round slots place that distinction at No. 257.
NFL draft analyst Chad Reuter projects Denver could think outside the box with the final pick, eyeing Kenyan rugby standout Josh Weru, who has no prior American football experience. Weru stands 6-foot-4 and 244 pounds and has drawn attention for his athletic traits, including a 4.55-second 40-yard dash and a 41-inch vertical leap at an HBCU Pro Day Showcase.
Weru’s background has drawn added interest from evaluators connected to the NFL’s IPP program. The Athletic reported comments from Skyler Fulton, who noted that Weru, along with another IPP D-lineman, could be draft prospects on the third day despite their lack of football history, underscoring the appeal of his rare athletic traits.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein also views Weru as a potential 7th-round pick or a future undrafted free agent. He highlighted Weru’s pro day performance and field workout as capable of grabbing the attention of teams looking to mold an explosive athlete. While rugby provided a head start in some athletic areas, Zierlein cautions that a pads-on evaluation will be necessary to gauge his long-term potential.
If the Broncos do indeed select Weru with the final pick of the draft, it would mark a highly unconventional Mr. Irrelevant selection—an audacious move that could hinge on whether a team can translate elite athleticism from rugby into a workable football skill set.
