Kobee Minor: Can 2025’s Mr. Irrelevant defy the odds and achieve a Brock Purdy-type breakout?

By becoming 2025's "Mr. Irrelevant", Kobee Minor achieved his lifelong dream of being given a shot in the NFL — but only after hearing everyone else's name called first.

For Minor, the title comes with a trophy, a trip to Disneyland, and the understanding that he'll spend what the odds suggest will be a short career trying to prove his doubters wrong.

DAZN News examines the possibility that Minor can defy his doubters and achieve success reminiscent of quarterback Brock Purdy.

College Profile

A three-star recruit out of high school, Minor began his college career at Texas Tech (2020–2022) before spending one season each at Indiana (2023) and Memphis (2024).

The 5'11" and 182-pound defensive back enjoyed his best year in 2024 for Memphis after compiling 38 tackles, two sacks, six passes defended, and two forced fumbles.

In his primary role as an outside corner, Minor allowed a passer rating of 96.2 passer rating in coverage, surrendering only two touchdowns on 39 targets.

Minor demonstrated a physical demeanour that defied his diminutive size, making a nuisance of himself in the opposition backfield and recording seven tackles for a loss. Unfortunately, his tackling form was inconsistent, most evident against the Rice Owls, where he missed three of his six attempts.

At Memphis' Pro Day, Minor tested poorly, recording below-average results in the shuttle, cone, and bench. Still, his 4.56-second 40-yard dash offered a glimmer of hope that he had the speed to make it at the next level.

NFL Draft

Despite his underwhelming college profile, the Patriots were seemingly interested in Minor from the outset, making him one of their Top 30 prospect visits.

Minor left that visit feeling positive.

The feeling was mutual, as the Patriots spent their seventh-round pick on the youngster.

Speaking during his introductory media conference call, Minor discussed his agonising wait and joy of being selected.

"I was waiting all day and ended up getting that call. My heart was racing... I'm just glad they took a chance on me."

He clearly doesn't mind the Mr. Irrelevant label that came with being the last selection in the draft.

"I love it, actually. It's just fuel to my fire... I love it because I've never been a highly recruited guy. I’ve never been one of the top guys. So, really, this isn't anything new to me."

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf raved about New England's latest signing.

NFL Outlook

While Wolf's comments suggest the Patriots are high on Minor, the reality is they were only willing to invest the 257th pick in selecting him.

As you'd expect for a seventh-round pick, Minor finds himself buried on the Patriots' initial depth chart and faces a long road ahead if he hopes to earn any snaps in 2025.

That said, the Patriots have shown they aren't afraid to give big opportunities to players with humble beginnings. Starting linebackers Robert Spillane and Jack Gibbens entered the league as undrafted free agents.

Minor’s first challenge will be earning a spot on the Patriots’ practice squad — or even cracking the 53-man roster. It won't be easy, but if his mindset is any indication, he’s ready for the battle.

"I'm going to just go out here and do what I got to do, put my head down and grind, like I've always have... I'm going to just continue to work, and I'm excited for this opportunity."

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