Chad Kelly to Denver as the draft’s last pick

Published 9:27 pm Saturday, April 29, 2017

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The final day of the NFL draft began with an impromptu rendition of “Fly Eagles Fly” by former Philadelphia star safety Brian Dawkins and ended with a player who was far from irrelevant in college being picked last.

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Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly, a talented player with a history of off-the-field issues and injuries, was the 253rd and final selection Saturday by the Denver Broncos.

The final pick gets honored as Mr. Irrelevant, but Kelly was a player who could have been selected in the first three rounds if not for all his problems.

Kelly started his college career as a highly rated recruit at Clemson. He was dismissed from the team after being a disciplinary problem and went to junior college before landing at Ole Miss. In two seasons with the Rebels, he passed for 6,800 yards and 50 touchdowns. He also threw 21 interceptions,

Last season was cut short by a torn knee ligament and then in the offseason draft process he suffered a wrist injury.

Kelly’s pick was a surprising end to draft day that started with some fun.