Broncos May Select Mr. Irrelevant in 2026 NFL Draft

Denver Broncos awarded two extra seventh-round picks in upcoming draft

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Denver Broncos were awarded two compensatory seventh-round picks for the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them a total of nine selections and the potential to choose Mr. Irrelevant, the player selected last in the draft. The Broncos have selected Mr. Irrelevant once before in 2017 when they took Chad Kelly, the nephew of their former rival Jim Kelly.

Why it matters

The Mr. Irrelevant pick has become a lighthearted tradition in the NFL, with the player selected last often getting invited to special events and celebrations. For the Broncos, having two seventh-round picks gives them more flexibility to take a chance on a player who may have been overlooked, potentially finding a hidden gem late in the draft.

The details

The Broncos were awarded the extra seventh-round picks as compensation for losing players in free agency last year, including running back Javonte Williams. Their two compensatory selections will be the 256th and 257th overall picks in the 2026 draft. Last year, the final pick of the draft was used by the New England Patriots to select Memphis defensive back Kobee Minor.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will be held from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • The Broncos have the 30th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 draft.

The players

Javonte Williams

A running back who left the Broncos in free agency last year, leading to the team receiving compensatory picks.

Chad Kelly

The nephew of former NFL quarterback Jim Kelly, he was selected by the Broncos as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Ryan Succop

A kicker who was selected as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Brock Purdy

The current starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who was selected as Mr. Irrelevant in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Kobee Minor

A defensive back selected by the New England Patriots with the final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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What’s next

The Broncos will have the opportunity to select Mr. Irrelevant with one of their two seventh-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

The takeaway

The Broncos' two extra seventh-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft give them a chance to find a hidden gem late in the draft, potentially even selecting Mr. Irrelevant, the player chosen last. This lighthearted tradition has produced some notable NFL players in the past, and the Broncos will be hoping to uncover a similar success story with their compensatory selections.