Who is Desjuan Johnson, this year’s ‘Mr Irrelevant’?

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By CNN Newsource

Published May 1, 2023 1:37 AM

By Issy Ronald and Jacob Lev, CNN

“Mr. Irrelevant” — the playful name given to the final player selected each year in the NFL Draft — suddenly became relevant last year when San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy went 5-0 in the regular season and led his team to the NFC Championship game.

So there was extra attention around this year’s “Mr Irrelevant” — Desjuan Johnson, a defensive lineman out of the University of Toledo drafted by the Los Angeles Rams as the 259th and final pick.

“Just be getting picked, final pick, first pick, middle pick, everything [is] unique,” Johnson said, according to ESPN. “I’m very blessed. I was blessed that God picked [me] and I’m blessed that I can continue to play the game that I love and I’m going to give it my all up there on the field and at practice.”

There is an extra poignant dimension for Johnson too as he paid tribute to his father, Dion, who died in 2004, according to his university.

“My dad was on my mind today,” said Johnson, who was just four years old when his father died, according to his university website. “I feel like my dad is watching over me. He knows what’s best for me. I’m just going to work hard and let the rest be in God’s hands.”

While playing for the Rockets, the 23-year-old racked up 65 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and one interception in 14 games last season. He was also a three-time All-MAC player.

At the Rams, Johnson will play with defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who he cites as one of his favorite players and says he watched clips of to try “to learn the things he (does) and move like him,” according to ESPN.

“Just to learn from him, from watching film and now get to sit next to him and just take notes, I’m going to just be like a newborn,” he said. “I feel like I’m going to be like a newborn, trying to take as much in [and trying] to learn under him.”