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 defence 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.
Jaylen Key, a safety from Alabama, might have that talent. Key played for the Crimson Tide his final four seasons as a collegiate after attending UAB. After five years of play, he finished with 138 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and three passes defended.
At the East-West Shrine Bowl, Key will display his skills in front of other prospects hoping to be selected. NFL quality surrounding him in the secondary during his last undergraduate season, including Terrion Arnold and Kool-Aid McKinstry, two cornerbacks who might be selected in the first round.
Key, at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, is the perfect size for an NFL safety. He has good mobility, showcasing both agility in coverage and lengthy strides when playing the run. His physical attributes, along with his size, make him a desirable third-day candidate.
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 meagre 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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