Get To Know Jaylen Key: Mr. Irrelevant 2024

In recent years, “Mr. Irrelevant” has gained a great deal of relevance.

Since quarterback Brock Purdy led the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl 58 after being picked with the 262nd selection of the 2022 NFL draft out of Iowa State, the moniker given to the last player selected in each NFL draft has gained significance. Purdy has claimed several firsts as “Mr. Irrelevant,” including being the first quarterback of a Super Bowl team, despite being the last off the board.

Get To Know Jaylen Key: Mr. Irrelevant 2024

The New York Jets chose safety Jaylen Key of Alabama with the last choice (number 257) in the 2024 NFL Draft.

After playing four years at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Key moved to Alabama and played just one season there. He didn’t come with any expectations, but he fought his way up to a starting position. In 12 of Alabama’s 14 games in 2023, he started with the top 11 and finished with 60 tackles, one interception, and one pass break-up.

Although the player chosen in that spot isn’t expected to be a future superstar, they do start their careers with the same opportunity as any other rookie chosen before them. Former 49ers and Colts receiver Paul Salata started the custom in 1976 by organizing a week of activities dubbed “Irrelevant Week.”

The intention was to commemorate the draft’s last selection.

The Steelers selected Dayton wide receiver Kelvin Kirk with the 487th selection in the 17th round of the 1976 NFL Draft, making him the first Mr. Irrelevant in NFL Draft history. Since then, the league has continued this custom, with Salata revealing the selection each year up until 2013.

The full list of the Mr. Irrelevant selections since the honor was first given in 1976:

Year Name Team Position
2024 Jaylen Key Jets S
2023 Desjuan Johnson Rams DT
2022 Brock Purdy 49ers QB
2021 Grant Stuard Buccaneers LB
2020 Tae Crowder Giants LB
2019 Caleb Wilson Cardinals TE
2018 Trey Quinn Redskins WR
2017 Chad Kelly Broncos QB
2016 Kalan Reed Titans CB
2015 Gerald Christian Cardinals TE
2014 Lonnie Ballentine Texans S
2013 Justice Cunningham Colts TE
2012 Chandler Harnish Colts QB
2011 Cheta Ozougwu Texans DE
2010 Tim Toone Lions WR
2009 Ryan Succop Chiefs K
2008 David Vobora Rams OLB
2007 Ramzee Robinson Lions CB
2006 Kevin McMahan Raiders WR
2005 Andy Stokes Patriots TE
2004 Andre Sommersell Raiders LB
2003 Ryan Hoag Raiders WR
2002 Ahmad Miller Texans DT
2001 Tevita Ofahengaue Cardinals TE
2000 Michael Green Bears DB
1999 Jim Finn Bears RB
1998 Cam Quayle Ravens TE
1997 Ronnie McAda Packers QB
1996 Sam Manuel 49ers LB
1995 Michael Reed Panthers DB
1994 Marty Moore Patriots LB
1993 Daron Alcorn Buccaneers K
1992 Matt Elliott Redskins C
1991 Larry Wanke Giants QB
1990 Demetrius Davis Raiders TE
1989 Everett Ross Vikings WR
1988 Jeff Beathard Rams WR
1987 Norman Jefferson Packers DB
1986 Mike Travis Chargers DB
1985 Donald Chumley 49ers DT
1984 Randy Essington Raiders QB
1983 John Tuggle Giants RB
1982 Tim Washington 49ers DB
1981 Phil Nelson Raiders TE
1980 Tyrone McGriff Steelers G
1979 Mike Almond Steelers WR
1978 Lee Washburn Cowboys G
1977 Jim Kelleher Vikings RB
1976 Kelvin Kirk Steelers WR

The guts to transfer to the larger institution in the state of Alabama set Key on his way to the NFL, so it seems sense that he also had a program in need of revitalization.

In his last season at UAB, which had suspended operations in 2015–2016 before resuming in 2017, Key tied for the team lead with three interceptions, earning him honors as an honorable mention selection for the All-Conference USA team in 2022. Key made the bold decision to move to Alabama with just one year of eligibility remaining, and he is now enjoying the benefits of getting picked.

 

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