Kentucky wide receiver Dane Key is already at 500 yards receiving this year, but will that translate to hearing his name called on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft? Below we check out his 2024 season stats, mock draft projection, and much more.
Where Did Dane Key Project in Our 7-Round NFL Mock Draft?
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Key was selected in the third round at No. 95 by the Baltimore Ravens. He would pair with Zay Flowers as a dynamic duo for MVP Lamar Jackson to throw to.
Cummings’ synopsis: “Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Key grades out as a fringe top-100 prospect who could command late Day 2 or early Day 3 capital. And with added growth as a route runner, there’s a chance he could rise farther up into the Day 2 range.”
Potential NFL Landing Spots for Key
According to PFN’s updated NFL team needs, these are a few of the organizations that should prioritize wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Chicago Bears
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Dallas Cowboys
- Denver Broncos
- Detroit Lions
- Houston Texans
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Los Angeles Rams
- New England Patriots
- New Orleans Saints
- Pittsburgh Steelers
Key’s Scouting Report and Measurements
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 210 pounds
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Kentucky
- Current Year: Junior
Key is a storybook playmaker for the Wildcats. He went to Frederick Douglass High School in Lexington, Kentucky — and now, he plays SEC football for his hometown team at the highest level of the collegiate game.
Key signed with Mark Stoops and the Wildcats as a four-star recruit out of Lexington after catching 53 passes for 959 yards and nine touchdowns during his senior year. Not long after he arrived on campus, Key became a legitimate part of Kentucky’s offense.
As a true freshman, catching passes from eventual second-round pick and Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis, Key hauled in 37 passes for 519 yards and six touchdowns, quickly establishing himself as a venerable big-play threat.
In 2023, though the Wildcats experienced more adversity and week-to-week volatility, Key remained steady, with 42 receptions for 636 yards and six more touchdowns. In his third season, Key is trending up, and he could be due for more.
Key’s 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
- Receiving Yards: 500
- Catches: 35
- Touchdowns: 2
- Yards Per Catch: 14.3
Key had his performance of the year in an upset of then-No. 6 Ole Miss. He caught a season-high eight balls for 105 yards and found the end zone vs. the Rebels.
The talented Wildcat wideout has multiple catches in every game and 60-plus yards in half of his games.
When Is Dane Key Playing Today?
Key will face off against Auburn on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 7:45 p.m. ET.
The Wildcats and Tigers will be in a season-defining matchup with both teams under .500 at the moment and needing a win to get their season back on track.