Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie wide receiver Devaughn Vele, No. 81.
Before the Broncos: Vele took an unconventional route before beginning his college football career at the University of Utah. After high school, Vele served a two-year mission for the LDS Church in Samoa before walking on as a wide receiver with the Utes. All his hard work paid off: Vele spent 2019-23 with Utah, catching 123 passes for 1,689 yards and nine touchdowns in 47 games.
Broncos tenure: Vele (6-4, 205 pounds) was selected by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft (235th overall) and he recently signed a four-year contract. He’s entering the league as a 26-year-old rookie.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss up. Vele joins former Pac-12 rivals and fellow rookies Bo Nix and Troy Franklin (both formerly of the University of Oregon) on the Broncos’ roster for training camp. Vele’s height and jump-ball abilities may be a huge compliment to veteran receiver Courtland Sutton, but Denver has a crowded WR room. If he doesn’t end up on the active roster, Vele would be a top candidate for the practice squad.
