Denver Broncos second-year wide receiver Devaughn Vele came into the league without any huge expectations for his rookie season. Being a late-round pick meant fewer reps, fewer opportunities, and less margin for error. Yet he overcame it all by outworking veterans, earning his quarterback Bo Nix’s trust, and adjusting to NFL speed.
He wasn’t the flashiest player in the league, but he became one of the most reliable young targets in the Broncos’ offense. Vele ended his season with 475 yards receiving and 41 receptions along with three touchdowns. In an article in August of last year by Troy Renck, Vele goes into detail about being an older rookie and doing whatever he needed to do to make the team.
“It’s no secret that I am a lot older. And that Father Time is undefeated. I don’t have the luxury of developing as a guy who will be better in a few years,” Vele said. “I know a lot of people had a lot of issues with it when I was first drafted. I feel like it happened this way for a reason. And I am trying to take advantage of this opportunity to be on the team, special teams, or on the practice squad. Whatever they need,” said Vele.
Vele Looking for Larger Role
With a year under his belt, Vele is looking for a larger role in the offense this season. Vele is taking the same approach he had in college as he continues to navigate as a professional athlete.
“I pride myself so much on the details. When I first got to Utah, I knew the thing that was going to separate me from guys on scholarship was being coachable. It is a very important thing so they can trust you,” Vele said. “So when they show how they want the route to be run, that’s how I am going to run it. Details are huge for me. I think that’s what has moved my career forward.”
Despite his draft status, he picked up the playbook quickly and gained trust from coaches with his crisp execution and understanding of coverages. He demonstrated rare balance and coordination for a player of his size along with his ability to make tight sideline catches and toe-tap inbounds under pressure.
Vele Brings A lot to the Offense
At 6’5″, he presented mismatches every time he lined up. Cornerbacks couldn’t out-jump him, and safeties struggled to match his physicality. His ability to high-point the football can give Nix a margin for error he didn’t have with smaller targets. On third downs and in the red zone, he became a go-to threat. With Courtland Sutton out with potential contract issues now could be the time for Vele to shine.
The seventh round doesn’t usually produce Pro Bowlers, Super Bowl champs, or franchise legends. Vele has the chance to be a special player in Denver as he has all the tools to be one of the best receivers on the roster.
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