Jets DB Jaylen Key: Becoming Mr. Irrelevant 'was a surreal moment for me'

Jaylen Key, 2024’s Mr. Irrelevant, is certainly feeling relevant this week.

The Jets rookie defensive back is the main attraction of “Mr. Irrelevant Week,” an annual celebration which honors the NFL’s final draft pick in Newport Beach, California, and Key joined The Insiders on Wednesday to discuss his ceremonious entry into the pro ranks.

“Key shared his exhilaration with NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, describing it as ‘crazy exciting.’ He added, ‘This is a moment I’ve been anticipating my entire life, the goal I’ve been striving for since my pee wee days. It was an unbelievable moment for both me and my family.'”

Key joins a talented Jets squad that holds Super Bowl aspirations with four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers leading the way. New York’s defense will certainly play a role in getting them there, and Key’s experience through the club’s offseason program was a welcome-to-the-NFL moment he won’t soon forget.

“It’s pretty crazy to see Aaron Rodgers out there with you,” he said. “You’re practicing against him, he’s on the other side throwing the rock. It’s pretty crazy because you grew up playing with them in Madden. He’s a great player, he’s generational, and it’s pretty crazy that he’s the quarterback of the team I’m playing with. It was pretty surreal for me to get out there and practice him and be able to go out and work with him every day.”

Certainly, the 24-year-old has substantial knowledge about proceeding to the next phase.

Key began his college career at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, then transferred to Alabama for the 2023 season. In Tuscaloosa, he quickly earned a starting position on one of the country’s most skilled teams. He recorded 60 tackles, intercepted one pass, and broke up another in his 12 starts for the Crimson Tide. Key also gained attention for his NFL potential.

“Upon transferring to Alabama, I began paying attention to the finer details,” Key said. “You must persevere. There will be difficult days and even more challenging months, but ultimately, if you persist, you will succeed. That was certainly my experience.”

Alabama perennially features top prospects in the NFL draft and this year’s crop featured a pair of Key’s teammates in the Tide’s secondary. The Detroit Lions traded up in the first round to select cornerback Terrion Arnold, and Kool-Aid McKinstry was drafted by the New Orleans Saints at No. 41 overall.

Key expects big things from them.

“Those guys are phenomenal,” stated Key, “Their unique characters and exceptional skills are unparalleled. They possess immense talent and are destined for greatness at this level.”

Key’s spot on a loaded Jets roster won’t be guaranteed despite coming into the league with more notice than normal for a No. 257 selection. With 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy recently becoming the most notable “Mr. Irrelevant” of all time, hope is certainly in the air for Key’s NFL aspirations.

“Consistency is my goal with the Jets,” stated Key. “In essence, the game comes down to being consistent. If you maintain consistency, you’ll achieve success. It’s all about consistently working hard and delivering every day.”