The New York Jets started off the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 10 overall pick, but after the unprecedented run on quarterbacks were able to move back one spot with the Minnesota Vikings to pick up some additional draft compensation.
At No. 11, the Jets took offensive tackle Olu Fashanu to solidify the reworked offensive line.
New York later added to the offense by taking players like Malachi Corley, Braelon Allen, and Jordan Travis.
Their next pick was quite the interesting one as they took defensive back Qwan’tez Stiggers, who did not play college football but instead worked his way to the Canadian Football League after appearing in Fan Controlled Football.
New York closed out the draft at No. 257 by selecting Alabama safety Jaylen Key.
By taking Key with the final pick, the Jets allowed some people to cash on some improbable odds, via NBC Sports Bet.
“LONG odds for the Mr. Irrelevant position market cashed thanks to Alabama safety Jaylen Key,” they tweeted.
“Mr. Irrelevant” often doesn’t amount to anything in the league but in this case, anyone that had bets on the final pick being a safety was surely happy to hear Key’s name get called.
Key has good size for a defensive back and should fight for a roster spot come training camp with the Jets.
New York’s secondary is headlined by Sauce Gardner, but Key could end up a contributor on special teams assuming he does well over the next few months.
With the draft behind them, though, the Jets will be looking to bounce back in 2024 and get back to the playoffs.
