Devaughn Vele
Summary
Devaughn Vele was selected in Round 7 (#235 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of University of Utah. Vele is a wide receiver with a rare combination of size and respectable athletic testing (4.47 40 yard dash) for his frame. After walking on at Utah and eventually earning a scholarship, he produced solid college numbers (50 catches for 595 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2022) and showed enough traits to earn an NFL opportunity. His rookie season with the Denver Broncos yielded 41 receptions for 475 yards and 3 TDs, signaling he may have value beyond his late draft status.
Strengths
Size and catch‑radius: At 6‑5 with long arms, Vele presents a large target and is difficult to defend in the air against defenders with shorter reach. NFL Draft Buzz
Ball skills and contested catches: Ability to track the deep ball over either shoulder and bring it in without breaking stride. NFL Draft Buzz
Versatility (inside/outside alignments): He has experience lining both outside and coming into the slot or in‑traffic, giving him some scheme flexibility. Mile High Report
After‑the‑catch toughness: Even though his top‑end speed is not elite, he shows willingness to fight through contact and make extra yards when given space. The Draft Network
Late bloomer / high‑work ethic: From walk‑on to starter, Vele’s development speaks to character and potential for further improvement.
Weaknesses
Separation quickness and suddenness: Scouts point out that while his speed is solid, his change‑of‑direction, suddenness at stem breaks, and ability to create separation in tight quarters need improvement.
Release vs press and hand‑fighting: Reports indicate he sometimes spends too much time hand‑fighting at the line of scrimmage and can be delayed off the jam. NFL Draft Buzz
Top‑end long‑speed and vertical threat limitations: While effective in certain deep roles, he may not consistently threaten the very top of defenses vertically as some elite speedsters.
Developmental technique: Tasked with refining route‑running details, timing of breaks, and consistency in contested situations — he still has room to grow before becoming a polished all‑around receiver. Footballguys
Age and experience: Because he served a two‑year mission and had a later start, his age and limited high‑volume exposure compared to younger prospects may put some ceiling constraints. Mile High Report
Fit & Outlook
Devaughn Vele fits best in an offense that values large‑bodied receivers who can align outside or in multiposition roles (slot, move across field) and leverage contested catch ability, size‑advantage mismatches, and incremental production rather than purely separation‑based deep routes. In a system that uses motion, creation of mismatches, red zone targets, and involves throwing into tight spaces (go routes, fades, inside‑slot timings), Vele’s traits can be maximized. Looking ahead, Vele’s outlook is encouraging. His rookie production suggests his floor is as a functional contributor and situational starter with clear value as a large target in key areas of the field. With continuous development — improving release techniques, creating sharper stems and breaks, and refining route‑running — his ceiling could become that of a full‑time starter who provides a reliable big‑receiver option (think 700‑1000 receiving yards, multiple TDs) in a complementary role. On the flip side, if his separation issues and technique limitations persist, he may settle as a solid secondary starter or hybrid receiver rather than a dominant primary target. In sum: a high‑upside late pick whose size/skills combination gives him meaningful long‑term potential.