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.
Introducing Mr. Irrelevant!
With the final pick of the 2024 #NFLDraft, the @nyjets
select Jaylen Key. pic.twitter.com/6OT4OecsZp— NFL (@NFL) April 27, 2024
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.
HE'S RELEVANT TO US.
With the final pick of the 2024 #NFLDraft, we select @Jaylen_Key!
📰 https://t.co/qbmjdFcACa pic.twitter.com/phSQPZuZo1
— New York Jets (@nyjets) April 27, 2024
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.”
Mr. Irrelevant! 😎
Congratulations, @Jaylen_Key #RollTide pic.twitter.com/OKSuFcvyqC
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) April 27, 2024
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.
With the final pick, no. 257, in the 2024 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select Alabama's Jaylen Key. #RollTide pic.twitter.com/dLrhvRRH86
— Alabama Crimson Tide | AL.com (@aldotcomTide) April 27, 2024
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.
Congratulations Jaylen! Mr. Irrelevant! pic.twitter.com/WxYT2HXI7l
— Ray McDuffie🥋 (@RayMcDuffie11) April 28, 2024
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.
Jaylen Key is this year's Mr Irrelevant 🏈 pic.twitter.com/e1082IXFqq
— Sky Sports NFL (@SkySportsNFL) April 28, 2024
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