In order to make the playoffs the following season, the Las Vegas Raiders are searching for talent in the NFL Draft of 2024.
Now that Antonio Pierce has been named the Raiders’ new head coach, they can start searching for players who align with the culture he hopes to create.
Although their defense was strong the previous season, Las Vegas could benefit from adding a few more young players. Even if their backup is strong, they still have room for improvement.
That talent could come in the form of Alabama safety Jaylen Key. After spending four seasons at UAB, Key finished his collegiate career with the Crimson Tide. He ended a five-year career with 138 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, three passes defended, and four interceptions.
Key will showcase his talents at the East-West Shrine Bowl with other prospects hoping to be drafted. He played his final collegiate season surrounded by NFL talent in the secondary, including potential first-round cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold.
Key has ideal NFL safety size at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. He moves well, showing off long strides when he plays the run and quickness in coverage. His combination of size and athleticism makes him an appealing day three prospect.
Against Middle Tennessee State in 2023, Key recorded one interception. He almost leapt in front of the pass and ran the receiver’s route for him. Key possesses excellent ball-hawking abilities even though he has only had one interception this season.
Pro Football Focus reports that Key was targeted twenty-two times, giving up 13 receptions for a meager 145 yards and no touchdowns. Throughout his whole collegiate career, he did not permit a touchdown in coverage.
Key struggled in 2023 against some of the top opponents the Crimson Tide faced, giving up a season-high 51 yards in coverage against Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, among other games. Earlier in the season, when Ole Miss was the opponent, he also allowed four completions totaling 43 yards.
In the latter rounds, the Raiders might give Key a serious look if they want to bolster their secondary. His athleticism and experience can come in handy if he is selected on day three.
The NFL Scouting Combine will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, from February 27 to March 4, 2024.
The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 25–27, 2024, in Detroit, Michigan. The No. 13 overall pick is presently in the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders.
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