The New York Jets hope they can find a diamond in the rough with this year’s Mr. Irrelevant.
That title is given to the final selection in each NFL Draft.
This year, there were 257 draft picks starting Thursday night.
And Alabama safety Jalen Key received a life-changing call when the Jets selected him at age 257, even after having 256 players taken before him.
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Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jalen Key warms up before the CFP semifinal Rose Bowl game against the Michigan Wolverines on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Jordan Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Key spent four years at UAB before transferring to Tuscaloosa, where he appeared in 43 games.
He appeared in 12 of the Crimson Tide’s 14 games last season and recorded 60 tackles.
Expectations for Key are low, but being chosen last is worth it.
Every year, Mr. Irrevant and his family are invited to Newport Beach, California, where they spend a week playing golf, visiting Disneyland, and living a pretty meaningful lifestyle.
Last year’s Mr. Irrelevant, Desjuan Johnson of the Los Angeles Rams, had two sacks in 11 games last season. He played a season-high 48% of defensive snaps in the final game of the regular season, but played just three snaps in the playoff game against the Detroit Lions.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jalen Key warms up before the CFP semifinal game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Jordan Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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For the most part, not much was expected of Mr. Irrelevant, but that all changed with the final pick in 2022.
Mr. Irrelevant that year was Brock Purdy, who became the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers after suffering multiple injuries to other players. He led the Niners to the 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 percent of his passes for 5,654 yards, 44 touchdowns and just 15 interceptions. Purdy was selected to the Pro Bowl last season and finished fourth in MVP voting.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Jalen Key, 6, protects during coverage during the CFP semifinal game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2024 in Pasadena, California. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)
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You might not know it from the title, but at least Mr. Irrelevant is more associated with the sport than many others.
After the draft, teams will continue to acquire players as undrafted free agents.
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