There hasn't been much talk about Oklahoma linebacker-turned-tight end Jaren Kanak leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, but draft expert Todd McShay recently made a projection that would have Kanak going with one of the most notable picks in the entire draft.
The guys at Barstool Sports recently during a podcast that's not safe for work asked McShay to predict who would be this year's "Mr. Irrelevant," which is the nickname given to the player taken with the last pick of the entire draft. After some thought, McShay stated Kanak would before explaining why.
Barring a trade, the Denver Broncos have the last two selections of the seventh round at Nos. 256 and 257 in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will start on Thursday night before concluding on Saturday.
Jaren Kanak could make for perfect 'Mr. Irrelevant'
"He's a Metallica dude," McShay said. "(OU general manager) Jim Nagy called me about this guy and he was like, 'You would love him. He's a throwback.' ...
"I'd like to see him go earlier, but Jaren Kanak, I could see Denver bringing in as kind of like that versatile pass-catching weapon and a guy who's just kind of learning how to play tight end."
Kanak might be the rawest player in the draft class after playing his current position for just one season before graduating and heading to the NFL. He spent his first three years at OU as a reserve linebacker before switching sides of the ball and converting to tight end ahead of his senior season in 2025.
Read more: Oklahoma’s Jaren Kanak shares powerful wisdom after risky position switch
In his lone season as a tight end, Kanak caught 44 passes for 533 yards and tallied at least one reception in every game while starting all 13 games during the Sooners' run to the College Football Playoff. He was named to the All-SEC Third Team by the conference's coaches.
That unique experience, especially with his athleticism at 6-foot-2 and 234 pounds and team-first mentality, makes Kanak a perfect mold for a special teamer at least, with the potential to develop more than any other player available. If he's still available that late, Kanak would be an ideal candidate for the Broncos to deem "Mr. Irrelevant," which is a title Kanak would surely embrace.
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