The Denver Broncos traded second-year wide receiver Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints for two draft picks
In a bit of a head-scratching move, the Broncos sent wideout Devaughn Vele to the Saints for a pair of draft picks in the next two seasons. The surprising part was not that the Broncos chose to move on from Vele after a decent showing as a rookie, but rather the identity of the trade partner.
Vele was drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft by Denver in the seventh round after spending five years in college at Utah. He was mostly inactive in two redshirt years as a freshman, but made an impact as a third-year freshman and followed it up with two above-average seasons as a sophomore and junior. In his three active seasons, Vele chipped in a total of 121 catches for 1,677 yards and nine trips to the endzone. He carried a 13.7 yards per catch (YPC) with him as he declared for the draft after his junior year.
For a seventh-round pick, Vele made his presence felt for the Broncos, even outperforming Bo Nix’s old teammate Troy Franklin, who was drafted three rounds before Vele. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Vele rounded out 2024 having started seven games, accumulating 41/475/3 in the process.
The question then becomes: Why the Saints? They are in the midst of a rebuild and spent a fourth-round pick in 2026 and a seventh-round pick in 2027 on the services of a late-round draft choice who turns 28 in December. On top of that, this is a team that has two wide receivers younger than Vele, a tight end with a new contract, and one of the best pass-catching running backs to play in the league. There is also the question of who will be throwing the ball. Leave it to Sean Payton to fleece his old stomping grounds.
In fantasy, this has little to no effect on New Orleans. Vele is unlikely to cut into the workloads of Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Tight end Juwan Johnson and his new three-year deal don’t appear to take a hit either. Vele can remain off the fantasy radar in redraft leagues until Olave gets a headache. For the Broncos, this opens up a showdown at wideout to start the season. Currently, Franklin is penciled in as the third wide receiver but rookie Pat Bryant (third round, 2025) has garnered a heap of praise in camp. Whichever takes the WR3 spot is worth a late-round draft pick this fall, with the other to be left on waivers until there is a change. Deeper-bench or 14-plus-team leagues could see them both drafted.
Author: Sam Schneider (@BuyAndSellYou)
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Utah Ute WR Devaughn Vele hidden Gem?
Devaughn Vele, the towering wide receiver from Utah, stands tall at 6’5” and 210 pounds, possessing a blend of smooth athleticism and raw strength that make him a hidden gem destined for success.
Vele’s physical presence on the field is undeniable, as he utilizes his imposing frame and impeccable leverage to outmaneuver opposing defenders with ease. While he may not boast blinding speed, his strategic approach to route running and astute field awareness compensate for any lack in pure velocity.
What sets Vele apart is his consistency and reliability as a player. Despite perhaps not boasting the most eye-catching college production, he demonstrates an unwavering commitment to his craft and possesses the innate ability to make jaw-dropping catches in any situation. From stretching the field down the sidelines to navigating the chaos across the middle, Vele’s versatility knows no bounds.
Although he may be perceived as a “day 3” prospect, Vele’s potential far exceeds his draft position. A late-round selection would undoubtedly be a wise investment for any team looking to capitalize on an under-the-radar talent like Vele. With the willingness to put in the necessary work, Vele has the makings of a standout player capable of making a significant impact at the next level.
In summary, Devaughn Vele epitomizes the essence of a hidden gem in the world of football. With his combination of size, strength, and sheer determination, he is poised to emerge as a formidable force on the gridiron, proving that sometimes the best talents are discovered in the later rounds of the draft.
