‘Mr. Irrelevant’: Alabama’s Jaylen Key is final pick of 2024 NFL Draft

Alabama football safety Jaylen Key became the final player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft on Saturday. Key, who was taken by the New York Jets at pick No. 257, took the title of “Mr. Irrelevant” bestowed upon the last pick each year.

Key joined the Crimson Tide for his final season of college football. He played his first five years just up the road at UAB.

“It was about preparing for the next level,” Key said of his reason for transferring. “Finding the best place for me to do that.”

He became a starter immediately in Tuscaloosa, finishing the 2023 season with 60 tackles, 1.5 of them for loss. He had one interception during his lone season with the Crimson Tide.

Key will be the recipient of “Irrelevant Week” over the summer. The event, held in Newport Beach, Calif., began in 1976 and was founded by former NFL wide receiver Paul Salata.

The week includes a trip to Disneyland, a trophy presentation, and more. Recently, 2022′s Mr. Irrelevant, quarterback Brock Purdy, led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance to finish out the 2023 season.

Key became the 10th and final Alabama player selected in the 2024 draft. He joined Jermaine Burton, Justin Eboigbe, Jase McClellan and Will Reichard as final-day selections for the Crimson Tide.

The Jets finished third in the AFC East last season, posting a 7-10 record.