"Those are the teams that wanted to talk to me the most, but you never know," Key said. "You can (be) picked by anyone."
Key worked out for and visited with the 49ers in recent weeks, and pass rusher is among the team's most significant needs heading into the draft.
In three seasons with the Tigers, Key registered 130 combined tackles, 26.5 for a loss, and 21 sacks. His best statistical season came in 2016 when he recorded 56 combined tackles, 14.5 for a loss, and 12 sacks.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, the 6-foot-6 and 238-pound Key had a vertical jump of 31 inches, a broad jump of 117 inches, completed the three-cone drill in 7.16 seconds, and a 20-yard shuttle time of 4.25 seconds. Other measurables for Key include an arm length of 33 1/2 inches and hands that measure 10 inches.
There is no doubt regarding Key's talent. However, off-the-field concerns may give some teams pause. While he had been rated as high as a first-round prospect at one point, Mike Mayock of NFL Network recently suggested that Key might fall to the 4th- or 5th round.
The 49ers have dealt with their share of off-the-field concerns regarding last year's first-round pick, Reuben Foster, who now faces multiple felony charges and possible jail time. The 49ers cannot afford to make a similar gamble without thoroughly alleviating any concerns.
49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters on Monday that the team will approach the draft as if Foster will not be on the team.
H/T to Patrick Tulini for the find.