The New England Patriots-lite to close out the NFL Draft with their selection of cornerback Kobee Minor. With that last selection, they made him “Mr. Irrelevant” in official fashion. The 257th selection marks a significant achievement for the 5-foot-11, 188-pound athlete from Dallas, Texas, who has demonstrated resilience throughout his football career.
After spending his collegiate career from 2020-2022 at Texas Tech University, Kobee Minor got his start with the Red Raiders. He struggled just as much in Bloomington, where after one season he transferred to the University of Memphis. Across 44 collegiate games, Minor recorded impressive statistics, including 80 tackles, two sacks, 12 passes defended, and two forced fumbles. His remarkable performance revealed his promise and demonstrated his fierce competitiveness on the field.
During a Saturday spent at his family’s house in the Dallas area, Minor said he couldn’t sit still as uncertainty loomed over his football future. The Patriots were the only NFL team to bring him in on a pre-draft visit. This opportunity did indeed prove irresistible, as they decided to draft him after all.
I had been waiting all day and finally received that call. My heart was racing. I’m really happy that they decided to take a chance on me, Minor added later, beaming at the memory of receiving the news of his selection.
Elit Wolf, a member of the Patriots’ scouting department, called Minor a “real find,” praising his talents and work ethic.
Kobee was just a guy that our scouts that went into Memphis this year really keyed on early. He was dominant in movement skills at the combine and played above the rim on the football field. His competitiveness was what turned him into a guy that we really identified with him. Hopefully, Mr. Irrelevant will be plenty of cause for celebration for him, too. We are incredibly excited to have the chance to bring him on board, Wolf said.
Minor might have entered high school as a three-star prospect, but he didn’t allow low recruitment to stop his emergence. He’s excited to have the opportunity to play for the Patriots!
I like it because I’ve never been that super recruited dude. I don’t think I’ve ever been the number one prospect,” he said.
This pick becomes the third time the Patriots have had the infamous Mr. While Minor is beginning an exciting new chapter in life, his shoes will be hard to fill. He’s looking to make his mark with one of the league’s most storied franchises.
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