Kobee Minor was the final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, but the New England Patriots cornerback is out to prove “Mr. Irrelevant” is a misnomer.
Minor’s path to the NFL was anything but direct, and that journey could be exactly what helps him stick around.
Originally a safety at Lake Dallas High School, he transitioned to cornerback at Texas Tech, then transferred twice, first to Indiana, then to Memphis, chasing opportunity wherever it took him.
That final stop paid off. He started 11 games for the Tigers, forced two fumbles, tallied 38 tackles, and allowed just over half of his targets to be completed. His breakout year helped earn him a spot in the draft, as noted by Bernd Buchmasser of Pats Pulpit.
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When his name was finally called with the 257th pick, Jason Young, Minor’s high school coach, could hardly contain himself.
“I just started screaming in the backyard,” Young told Patriots.com’s Mike Dussault last month. “My wife’s coworkers thought I’d lost it.”
Minor’s style reflects the road he traveled: tough, no-nonsense, and versatile. He has lined up all over the secondary, covered ground on special teams, and prides himself on physical play. He describes himself as a “dog,” someone who works, tackles, and never takes a play off.
Despite average testing numbers, he fits the mold the Patriots often seek: a willing grinder with a team-first mindset and high football intelligence. He will still need to outwork more seasoned names to crack the 53-man roster, but Minor is used to fighting for his place.
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“I’ve always had to prove myself,” he said. “And I’m going to keep doing that.”
Being the final pick might just suit him. Nothing about his story has ever been about flash, only fight.
