The New York Jets hope they have found a diamond in the rough with this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant.”
That title goes to the final selection of each NFL Draft.
This year, there were 257 draft picks as of Thursday night.
And after seeing 256 players ahead of him, Alabama safety Jaylen Key still got a life-changing call when the Jets selected him at 257.
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Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jaylen Key warms up before a game against the Michigan Wolverines in the CFP Rose Bowl semifinal on Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, California. (Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Key moved to Tuscaloosa after spending four years at UAB, where he played 43 games.
He appeared in 12 of the Crimson Tide’s 14 games last season, recording 60 tackles.
While expectations are low for Key, there is a reward in being the last man chosen.
Every year, Mr. Irrelevant and his family are invited to Newport Beach, California, to spend a week playing golf, visiting Disneyland, and living a pretty relevant lifestyle.
Last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, Desjuan Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams, recorded two sacks in his 11 games last season. He played a season-high 48% defensive snaps in his final regular season game, but played in just three snaps in their playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jaylen Key warms up before the CFP semifinal at the Rose Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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In almost every case, there aren’t many expectations for Mr. Irrelevant, but the 2022 final election flipped the script.
That year’s Mr. Irrelevant was Brock Purdy, who became the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after multiple injuries to other players. He led the Niners to an NFC title game in 2023 and a Super Bowl appearance in 2024.
Since taking over, he has gone 21-6 as a starter, completing 68.7% of his passes for 5,654 yards, 44 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions. Purdy was named to the Pro Bowl last season and finished fourth in MVP voting.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jaylen Key (6) defends in coverage during a CFP semifinal game at the Rose Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
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Maybe the title doesn’t show it, but at the very least, “Mr. Irrelevant” is more relevant to the sport than many other players.
Teams will continue to acquire players after the draft as undrafted free agents.
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