The New York Jets benefited from the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but as the draft progressed, their possession level started to dip. Talking about their 257th overall pick, Robert Saleh and the company equally invested in securing their final selection of this year’s class. Interestingly, their choice of “Mr. Irrelevant” was of special relevance. To close this year’s draft in Detroit, The Big Apple went to landing in the safety from Alabama Crimson Tide, Jaylen Key. Who is the man who influenced this decision? It is none other than Key’s mentor, coaching maestro Nick Saban.  

As the former Alabama HC, Nick Saban, announced his retirement in January, this year’s draft was his last opportunity to leave a mark in the NFL. His defensive mindset and strong influence on Key are evident in the Jets’ move to draft him. As tweeted by the official account of Sidelines-Bama, this influence holds special relevance as “Alabama DB Jaylen Key, who the Jets just selected as 2024’s Mr. Irrelevant, is Nick Saban’s last NFL draft pick as an active head football coach.”

The Crimson Tide HC has been known for his hard-nosed, bull-ball run game and hitting the gridiron wearing his stout defense type on his sleeves. The latest New York possession also admitted that his only motive to join Alabama was “to learn from one of the best defensive minds in the game.” The ritual of anointing the draft’s final pick as “Mr. Irrelevant” started during the 1970s. With the recent success of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy – the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, helping his team to the Super Bowl last season, expectations take a leap surrounding Key.  

How did Key fit in the Empire State?

This time, the tag went to Key, who had won a starting job in Alabama for a safety position. In his tenure, the Crimson Tide fans witnessed him tallying 60 tackles. He did have an interception as Saban’s program won the SEC, propelling them to the College Football Playoff. Entering Alabama, Key arrived with zero guarantees and acquired the starting role. 

As far as Joe Douglas’ program is concerned, they have a special corner for the last pick, and the ritual has continued for a long time since their first Mr. Irrelevant choice was in 1969. However, back in 1969, the move came after winning Super Bowl III, but this time it was a compensatory selection. Compared to Purdy’s selection, Key replied smiling, “We’ve got some shoes to fill behind Brock, but I can tell you this: We’re going make something shake.” 

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As he describes his game as “just being a physical playmaker in the backfield,” the Jets will put him to the ultimate use on the defense line. More than so, with veteran Chuck Clark and incumbent Tony Adams in the group, New York placed another weapon in Saleh’s hands.