ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The rookie turning the most heads this summer for the Denver Broncos isn’t quarterback Bo Nix, a first-round draft pick who was a Heisman Trophy finalist last year at the University of Oregon, but receiver DeVaughn Vele, a seventh-rounder from the University of Utah whose recent one-handed catch has been the highlight of training camp.
Vele isn’t your typical rookie — he will turn 27 in December — so the 235th overall selection in the 2024 NFL draft is in a hurry to make his mark as a pro.
“I feel like I’ve got a little chip on my shoulder that I have to be better because I don’t have the luxury of developing and being that guy that’s like, ‘Oh, in a few years, he’ll be good,'” Vele said. “I feel like I have to contribute as much as I can now.”
Vele has wasted no time in standing out at a crowded position group that features holdovers Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Brandon Johnson, Marvin Mims Jr. and Courtland Sutton, along with free agent Josh Reynolds, fourth-round draft pick Tony Franklin and veteran Tim Patrick, who is coming back from consecutive season-ending leg injuries.
Vele’s path to the NFL was a long one.
He didn’t go to college until after serving a two-year Mormon mission in Samoa. He then redshirted his first year at Utah, and his 2020 season was interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Finally, he started 38 games for the Utes over the past three seasons, totaling 123 catches for 1,677 yards and nine touchdowns.
Although he has great size for a receiver at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, his age dropped him to the seventh round of the draft in April. Consider this: Vele and Broncos defensive end Zach Allen, who’s going into his sixth NFL season, are the same age.
“He’s certainly come in here and acted not like a rookie, he’s acted closer to his age,” right tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “He’s done a great job for us. He’s stepped up in a lot of ways, and he’s making plays all over the field, and we’re very, very excited for him.”
Coach Sean Payton suggested Vele’s maturity is now an advantage.
“He’s smart. He’s a little older. I would say you don’t necessarily feel (like he’s) a rookie. And I say that because, respectfully, he’s a little older than most in his class,” Payton said.
“I like his transition (in and out of breaks) 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 built, and that allows him to transition a little better.”
Vele’s summer has shattered any preconceived notions about who will be catching passes from Nix or Jarrett Stidham this season.
Payton said the depth and competition at receiver is “more than I can recall anywhere. We potentially have guys that may end up playing for another team.”
Vele won’t get away.
His work ethic makes him a coach’s dream. He plays with a veteran’s savvy, and his highlight catches are becoming routine. The most spectacular one was his right-handed grab against safety P.J. Locke of Stidham’s overthrown pass last week.
Vele hasn’t gotten caught up in the hoopla over that remarkable reception.
“I actually don’t have social media, so I’m not really paying attention to it as much,” he said. “I’m just trying to make sure that I do what I can to help the team out.”