The Denver Broncos rookie making waves this summer isn’t their first-round pick Bo Nix, but rather seventh-round wide receiver DeVaughn Vele of the University of Utah. Vele’s standout moment was a stunning one-handed catch that quickly became the highlight of the Broncos’ training camp. At 26, Vele isn’t your typical NFL rookie. As the 235th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, he feels the need to make an immediate impact.
“I feel like I have to contribute as much as I can now,” Vele told KSL, acknowledging that his age means he doesn’t have the luxury of slowly developing into a top-tier player. Vele’s determination has quickly earned him recognition in a crowded Broncos receiving room that features established players like Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr., as well as promising talents like Josh Reynolds and fourth-round pick Tony Franklin.
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Broncos head coach Sean Payton has taken notice of Vele’s abilities, particularly praising his strong hands and long catch radius. “I like his size and his hands in the huddle,” Payton noted. He believes Vele’s ability to catch passes away from the body makes quarterbacks more accurate, which is a valuable asset to the Broncos’ offense.
Vele’s path to the NFL was anything but typical. After serving as a Mormon missionary in Samoa for two years, he was ineligible to play in his first year in Utah and his 2020 season was interrupted by the pandemic. Despite those setbacks, he started 38 games over the past three seasons, making 123 catches for 1,677 yards and nine touchdowns. His age and experience have allowed him to approach the game with a maturity that sets him apart from other rookies.
Even veteran players like right tackle Mike McGlinchey have praised Vele’s approach, noting that he acts more like a seasoned pro than a rookie. Vele’s work ethic and playmaking ability have made him a coach’s dream, and he has erased any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level. As the Broncos look ahead to the season, it’s clear that Vele will be a key player in their offense.
