Who is Mr. Irrelevant in 2024 NFL Draft? All about Jaylen Key

The 2024 NFL Draft has come and gone, and we have a new Mr. Irrelevant in the National Football League. Jaylen Key, an Alabama Crimson Tide product, is the newest owner of the infamous tag.

Here we take a look at the 2024 Mr. Irrelevant and rationalize why the New York Jets elected to take a chance on the ball hawk.

Who is Jaylen Key, the 2024 NFL Draft Mr. Irrelevant?

Jaylen Key is a safety who received his football education from UAB before joining SEC giants Alabama. During his last season at UAB, Jaylen Key was on fire, earning an Honorable Mention All-Conference USA.

In the 2022 collegiate season, Key had 60 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He showcased just how good he could be when the defense was built around him, and it wasn't a surprise when he entered the transfer portal and joined the Alabama Crimson Tide.

During his sole season with the Bama, Key started all 12 games in Coach Nick Saban's last dance. The sixth-year collegiate athlete recorded 60 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and two pass defenses.

He was instrumental in guiding the Tide to another SEC championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.

What does Jaylen Key bring to the New York Jets?

The New York Jets drafted Jaylen Key after a rather eventful 2024 NFL Draft. The Robert Saleh-coached franchise had already picked Olu Fashanu, Malachi Corley, Braelon Allen, Jordan Travis, Isaiah Davis, and Qwan'tez Stiggers.

Jaylen Key will bring much-needed grit to the Jets' defense, serving as a serviceable backup to one of the best secondaries in the league. He should fit well into the New York culture.

Who are the past ten Mr. Irrelevants?

Here's a look at the Mr. Irrelevants in the NFL Draft of the last decade:

• 2024: Jaylen Key
• 2023: Desjuan Johnson
• 2022: Brock Purdy
• 2021: Grant Stuard
• 2020: Tae Crowder
• 2019: Caleb Wilson
• 2018: Trey Quinn
• 2017: Chad Kelly
• 2016: Kalan Reed
• 2015: Gerald Christian