Devon Key surpasses 82 snaps in three games

Devon Key has played more defensive snaps in the last three weeks than he did in all of last year. Key appeared on just 82 defensive snaps during the 2025 season. He has already exceeded that total in the three games played without starter Talanoa Hufanga.

The Broncos have operated without three of their top defenders for stretches of the 2026 campaign. Patrick Surtain II, Talanoa Hufanga and Jonathon Cooper have all been absent for portions of the season. Their departures from the lineup forced the coaching staff to turn to reserves and younger players. This shift has given the team a clearer view of its backup options.

Surtain, Hufanga and Cooper rank among the highest-paid players on the roster. They are also considered top performers at their respective positions in the NFL. Surtain is a multiple-time All-Pro cornerback. Hufanga earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors earlier this season. Cooper serves as an effective edge rusher.

Coach Sean Payton noted that the league is defined by attrition. He said the team is pleased to have developed players in key areas. "It’s one thing to say next man up, but having developed guys and having that depth in key areas. It is an attrition league," Payton said.

Kris Abrams-Draine has also increased his playing time significantly. He recorded 217 defensive snaps in 11 games last year. He has already played 213 snaps in four contests this season. Other players receiving opportunities include Jahdae Barron, Taylor Rapp and Que Robinson. Barron is a former first-round pick who has faced high-pressure opponents including Kyle Shanahan and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Que Robinson has shown improvement in his pass-rush production. He has posted a 14.1 percent pressure rate. That figure ranks second on the team among players with at least 100 pass-rush reps, according to Next Gen Stats. Devon Key described Robinson’s potential as limitless. "The sky is the limit for this guy," Key said.

The return of Surtain, Hufanga and Cooper will strengthen the starting lineup. However, the experience gained by the backups offers value for future roster decisions. Riley Moss and Ja’Quan McMillian are set to become free agents in the offseason. Abrams-Draine remains under contract for another year. The performance of these younger players provides the coaching staff with confidence in their backup options if further injuries occur.