With their second-to-last pick in the 2024 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos selected wide receiver Devaughn Vele in the seventh round.
Vele (6-4, 210 pounds) played college football at Utah, drawing comparisons to Broncos receiver Tim Patrick.
“I’ve heard things even while at Utah,” Vele said of the comparisons to his new teammate. “[He’s] a great player, and I try to model my game after all of the greats. It’s good to have someone that I can look up to and get under his wing.”
Broncos coach Sean Payton has praised Vele for his steady hands and ability to bring down contested catches. The rookie will have positional flexibility in Patyon’s offense.
“We have visions relative to when we see him as a guy who can play big outside [at] ‘X,’ and then come in in the slot,” Payton said.
Check out highlights from Vele’s time at Utah below:
Competing in a crowded WR room, Vele won’t be a lock to make the active roster this summer, but he should be able to make the practice squad. The rookie receiver is set to report for training camp on July 17.