Rams DE Desjuan Johson: Mr. Irrelevant 'Just A Name'
During day three of the 2023 NFL draft, the Los Angeles Rams traded to secure the last pick in the seventh round, which came at No. 259 overall. This particular selection is dubbed "Mr. Irrelevant," an honorary title bestowed upon the final player picked in every draft. Desjuan Johnson earned the distinction of being named Mr. Irrelevant for this year's draft.
Johnson, a defensive tackle hailing from Toledo, remains unfazed by the moniker of "Mr. Irrelevant." Instead, he is entirely focused on showcasing his abilities as a member of the Rams and is determined to secure a spot on the team's 53-man roster as a rookie. With a committed mindset, Johnson is prepared to prove his worth and make a significant impact within the Rams' ranks.
"Call me Mr. Irrelevant. I ain't trippin'. I'm just ready to play football," Johnson told WTOL 11. "Everybody was making it seem bad. Like, it's just a name. I understand the things that come with it and everything, but at the end of the day, I got picked and I'm ready to prove that I'm there and I'm ready to play."
Johnson bolsters the Rams' depleted defensive line, joining fellow rookies Kobie Turner and Bryon Young. Together, they strive to carve out roles alongside Aaron Donald as the team looks to fill the void left by the departures of Greg Gaines, A'Shawn Robinson, and Leonard Floyd.
The emergence of last year's Mr. Irrelevant, San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, should instill hope in Rams fans that Johnson has the potential to exceed expectations.
And while the odds may be against him on that front, Johnson is ready to prove the doubters wrong.
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