| No. 43 –Cincinnati Bengals | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Safety |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | (2000-02-29)February 29, 2000 (age 25) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Weight: | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Gadsden County (Havana, Florida) |
| College: | |
| NFL draft: | 2024: 7th round,257th pick |
| Career history | |
| |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Roster status: | Active |
| Stats atPro Football Reference | |
Jaylen Key (born February 29, 2000) is an American professionalfootballsafety for theCincinnati Bengals of theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theUAB Blazers and theAlabama Crimson Tide. He was selected by theNew York Jets with the final pick of the2024 NFL draft, making him that year'sMr. Irrelevant.
Key grew up inQuincy, Florida and attendedAmos P. Godby High School. Coming out of high school, Key was rated as a three-star recruit where he decided to commit to playcollege football for theUAB Blazers.[1][2]
In Key's first three seasons in 2019, 2020, and 2021, Key notched 18 tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery.[3] In week thirteen of the 2022 season, Key made 12 tackles versusLSU.[4] During the 2022 season, Key tallied 60 tackles with four and a half being for a loss, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles.[5] For his performance on the 2022 season, Key was named honorable mention all Conference-USA.[6] After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Key decided to enter the NCAA transfer portal.[7][8]
Key decided to transfer to play for theAlabama Crimson Tide.[9][10] Coming into the 2023 season, Key won a starting safety spot on the Crimson Tide defense.[11] During week one of the 2023 season, Key snagged an interception in a win overMiddle Tennessee.[12] Key finished the 2023 season with 60 tackles with one and a half being for a loss, a pass deflection, and an interception.[13] After the conclusion of the 2023 season, Key decided to declare for the2024 NFL draft.[14]
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft0+3⁄4 in (1.85 m) | 208 lb (94 kg) | 32+1⁄4 in (0.82 m) | 9+5⁄8 in (0.24 m) | 4.60 s | 1.59 s | 2.63 s | 4.09 s | 7.20 s | 36.5 in (0.93 m) | 10 ft 10 in (3.30 m) | ||
| All values fromNFL Combine/Pro Day[15][16] | ||||||||||||
Key was selected by theNew York Jets in the seventh round, with the 257th overall pick, of the2024 NFL draft. He was the final pick of the draft, making him 2024'sMr. Irrelevant.[17] He was waived on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.[18][19] He was released on October 30.[20]
On December 17, 2024, Key was signed to theCincinnati Bengals practice squad.[21] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 7, 2025.[22]