The Denver Broncos are going to have some very tough roster cuts at wide receiver this summer, in part because a seventh-round draft pick is outperforming his draft status.
Devaughn Vele (6-4, 210 pounds) is a 26-year-old rookie who served a two-year LDS mission after high school and then played five seasons of college football as a walk-on at Utah. His age shortens his potential window for a pro career, but Vele’s making the most of his opportunity.
nah this Devaughn Vele kid… #noticing
pic.twitter.com/dQACFuVd9V— Caden (@IssaLoop) August 8, 2024
“I never try to let age be an issue or be a thing that kind of messes with my mental [state],” Vele said Wednesday. “I just come out here. Everybody’s here for a reason. Coach [Sean] Payton had faith in me to be out here regardless of my age, so I’m just putting my best foot forward and just trying to contribute where I can.”
Vele put here securing his roster spot some more. Back to back catches during the 1s session with Bo (clip 2 I started late) #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/rYsGYSwgtK
— Anthony Nguyen (@MileHighRonin) August 14, 2024
Vele has looked sharp at training camp, using his big frame to haul in impressive catches. His stats from last week’s preseason opener don’t stand out at first glance — one catch on three targets for eight yards — but the two other targets drew pass interference penalties. Vele is an imposing receiver, and he’s making a strong case to make the 53-man roster.
Really savvy pick route from rookie WR Devaughn Vele to get the wheel route wide open on 3rd down.
After an impressive Training Camp Vele certainly looked like he belonged on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/60rR6zhHgu— Frankie Abbott (@FrankiesFilm) August 12, 2024
“He’s smart,” Payton said. “He’s a little older. I would say, you don’t necessarily feel [like he is] a rookie and I say that just respectfully. He’s a little older than most in his class. I like his transition and his body control for someone who’s 6-4.
“Now he’s low-cut and that helps him. Leggy receivers have a little bit more challenge, but he’s a little bit more torso build and that allows him to transition a little bitter. He put some good tape out there and continues to improve.”
Denver only had four receivers on its initial 53-man roster last year. With some much depth at the position, that number will surely jump to at least five in 2024. Right now, Vele appears to be on track to make the squad.
