Jalen Key wasn't on the NFL's radar until just a few years ago. Even though he had the final pick in the NFL Draft, being drafted on Saturday shows how far he has come in his final two seasons in college.
Key, a safety from Alabama, was the final pick of the New York Jets with the 257th overall pick in the draft. He plans to hold a traditional celebration in California as part of Irrelevant Week, which honors “Mr. Irrelevant,” the final pick in the draft. Irrelevant Week CEO Melanie Salata-Fitch announced the picks at the conclusion of the draft.
The Jets had the final pick in the draft, but declined to trade it to the Denver Broncos in a deal for quarterback Zach Wilson. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter. After all, his first three college seasons were key to not even being a starter at UAB.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy made Mr. Irrelevant famous in 2022. The key is wanting to maintain a good atmosphere.
Jalen Key gets drafted
Key was a late bloomer as a college player.
He started his career at UAB, where he played four seasons. He transferred to Alabama for his final college season.
He didn't become a regular starter at UAB until his fourth year, but he broke out that season with 60 tackles and three interceptions.
At Alabama, Key earned a starting spot on one of the most talented teams in college football. He was a starter for most of the season and once again recorded 60 tackles.
There are also success stories from the final draft picks. DeJuan Johnson, the 2023 Mr. Irrelevant, didn't reach Purdy's heights as a rookie, but he made the Los Angeles Rams' roster and appeared in 11 games. That's not too bad for the final pick in the NFL Draft.
Johnson, a defensive end from Toledo, had two sacks for the Rams last season. There will be a lot of competition to make the roster this season considering the Rams used their first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on a defensive lineman, but he managed to make it last season. .
Making the Jets' roster is Key's first professional goal.
mr unrelated history
Purdy did more to raise Mr. Irrelevant's profile than all the other final picks in the NFL Draft combined. That's what happens when you go from not being the final pick to starting quarterback in the Super Bowl.
Mr.Irrelevant has a lot of fun in store. Benefits include a week-long celebration in Newport Beach, California. There are also events such as the “Lowsman Banquet'' and a trip to Disneyland.
Before Purdy, the most successful Mr. Irrelevant was kicker Ryan Succop, who had a 14-year career with three teams but was not on the roster in 2023. There were other Mr. Irrelevants who made the roster as rookies and became established in the league. NFL for the first time in a while.
Key wasn't drafted earlier because he wasn't a dynamic athlete and didn't have much of a track record in college. But he's being given a chance with the Jets. That's a far cry from the player he was two years ago.
