Denver Broncos safety Devon Key is no longer just a name on the bottom of the depth chart; he’s becoming a Pro Bowl talking point inside the building.
Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi said this week that Key is playing at a “Pro Bowl, All-Pro type of level,” while defensive coordinator Vance Joseph called him a potential Pro Bowler and said he could start on defense “tomorrow” without any worries. At the same time, Key enters Week 14 leading the entire NFL with 20 special teams tackles, according to TeamRankings.
Broncos Coaches Call Devon Key a Pro Bowl-Level ‘Cornerstone’
Joseph was asked how often special teams becomes a pipeline to a defensive role and didn’t hesitate to put Key in that category. He said Key “can be a starter for us tomorrow at safety” and added that he “wouldn’t lose any sleep over it,” praising his smarts, maturity and daily consistency.
Joseph went even further, saying he believes Key is on a Pro Bowl track on special teams and calling himself “proud” of the young safety for the way he has seized his role.
Rizzi, who also serves as assistant head coach, echoed that sentiment when told that Joseph had labeled Key a Pro Bowler. Rizzi said Key is “playing at a Pro Bowl, All-Pro type of level” and described him as a “cornerstone” and “model of consistency” for Denver’s special teams units this season.
Rizzi noted that he believes Key leads the league in special teams tackles and pointed to more than just the stat line, citing his leadership and the way he anchors Denver’s coverage units every week. Local coverage from 9News has tracked Key’s rise all year, with one report in late October already noting that he led the NFL in special teams tackles through Week 7.
On top of that, Rizzi acknowledged what fans can see on social media: teammates have started pushing a Pro Bowl campaign for Key, trying to draw attention to a player who rarely shows up in traditional box scores.
What Devon Key’s Rise Means for the Broncos
Key’s surge comes at a time when the Broncos are 10-2 and sitting atop the AFC West, powered in part by strong play on special teams.
Joseph made it clear that Key is more than just a kicking-game specialist. He said Key has already played dime, both safety spots and man coverage for Denver’s defense, and that coaches trust him with expanded duties because of how quickly he processes and how locked in he is every day.
That versatility matters in a secondary where the Broncos have leaned on rotation and depth. Joseph said throughout the week that young defensive backs who “earn the right to play” will see the field, and Key is now firmly in that group.
For Denver, having a core special teamer who can also step into defensive snaps without drop-off is a major luxury. It gives Joseph flexibility with game plans and allows the Broncos to survive injuries without completely reshuffling the back end.
If the Pro Bowl push gains traction, it also sends a message through the locker room: special teams production is noticed, and rewarded.
Stats, Schedule & Pro Bowl Case for Devon Key
Key’s Pro Bowl argument is built on both production and impact.
- Special teams tackles leader: Key currently tops the NFL with 20 special teams tackles, three more than any other player, per TeamRankings.
- Core role in 2024–25: He appeared in all 17 games last season, posting 33 total tackles and a sack while logging heavy special teams snaps, and he has continued in that role in 2025.
- Broncos’ record: Denver is 10-2 after an overtime win over Washington, with special teams playing a key role in close games.
- Next chance to impress voters: The Broncos visit the Las Vegas Raiders on December 7 before home dates with the Green Bay Packers and Jacksonville Jaguars and a Christmas matchup at the Kansas City Chiefs, all national-stage opportunities that could boost Key’s visibility.
As fan voting and player/coach ballots take shape, Denver’s staff isn’t hiding how they feel about their special teams ace.
For the Broncos, the message is simple: if you’re looking for a Pro Bowl special teamer, start with No. 26.
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