Devaughn Vele (born December 12, 1997) is an American professional football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Utah Utes and was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft.
Devaughn Vele Bio
Devaughn Vele is a professional football wide receiver who has established himself in the NFL after a notable collegiate career at the University of Utah. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches, his size and athleticism have made him a valuable asset at the wide receiver position. He entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick and has shown promise through his first two professional seasons with the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints.
Early Life and Background
Devaughn Vele was born on December 12, 1997, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in San Diego, California, where he attended Rancho Bernardo High School. During his high school years, Vele emerged as a talented football player, leading the Broncos to their first State Championship title in 2015. His performance as a high school athlete demonstrated his potential for success at the collegiate level.
After graduating from high school, Vele made a significant personal decision to serve a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which took him to Samoa. This experience shaped his character and values before he returned to pursue his football career and education.
Path to American Football
Upon returning from his mission, Vele made the decision to walk on to the Utah Utes football program in 2019. His initial season was a redshirt year, allowing him to adjust to the college football environment and develop his skills. During the 2020 season, he appeared in five games, recording two catches for 12 yards while continuing to learn the system.
Vele’s dedication paid off when he earned a scholarship heading into the 2021 season. That year marked his breakthrough, as he caught 23 receptions for 389 yards and scored his first career touchdown on a 37-yard pass against USC. His performance continued to improve each season, compiling 50 receptions for 595 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. After considering entering the NFL draft after his junior year, Vele chose to return for his senior season, ultimately declaring for the 2024 NFL draft after catching 43 passes for 593 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
Devaughn Vele Career
Denver Broncos (2024)
Vele was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 235th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft. His selection marked the culmination of his journey from a walk-on player at Utah to a professional athlete. He reported to training camp with the Broncos and competed for a roster spot among the team’s wide receivers.
He made an immediate impact in his NFL debut during Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, recording eight receptions for 39 yards in a 26-20 loss. Throughout his rookie season, Vele continued to contribute to the Broncos’ offense and secured his first career touchdown in Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs. By the end of the 2024 season, he had established himself as a reliable target, finishing with 41 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdowns.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025-Present)
On August 20, 2025, the Broncos traded Vele to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. This move presented Vele with a new opportunity to contribute to a different offense and expand his professional career. He joined a Saints team looking to build chemistry among its receiving corps.
Vele made his presence felt early in his Saints tenure, catching his first touchdown as a Saint in Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers on a three-yard pass from Spencer Rattler. He continued to be involved in the offense throughout the season, appearing in 13 games with seven starts. In Week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, he recovered an onside kick in the fourth quarter, though the Saints ultimately lost the game 21-17. His season came to an abrupt end when he was placed on season-ending injured reserve on December 19 due to a shoulder injury sustained in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers. For the 2025 season, he recorded 25 receptions for 293 yards and two touchdowns.
Receiving Style and Strengths
Vele’s physical profile stands out in the NFL, with his 6-foot-5 frame making him a valuable target in the red zone and on contested catches. His height advantage allows him to win jump balls and create mismatches against smaller defensive backs. His progression from a walk-on at Utah to an NFL contributor reflects his work ethic, adaptability, and ability to absorb coaching at both the collegiate and professional levels.
Notable Events and Milestones
Throughout his career, Vele has achieved several milestones worth noting. His NFL debut with eight receptions demonstrated his ability to contribute immediately at the professional level. Catching his first career touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs represented a significant step in his development. The trade to New Orleans in 2025 provided him with a fresh start and expanded role within a new offensive system. His recovery from the season-ending shoulder injury will be a key focus as he works toward returning to the field.
Devaughn Vele Career Statistics
Across his first two NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, Vele has established himself as a reliable receiving option. His career statistics reflect consistency and the ability to contribute across multiple games and offensive schemes.
NFL Career Highlights
Vele entered the NFL as a seventh-round draft pick and quickly became a contributor with the Broncos. His rookie season produced 41 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdowns, including his first career touchdown against Kansas City. Through his first season and a half, he has accumulated 66 receptions for 768 yards and five touchdowns. His ability to stay healthy and contribute consistently has been a hallmark of his early professional career.
College Career Summary
During his five seasons at Utah from 2019 to 2023, Vele developed from a walk-on into a scholarship player and team contributor. He redshirted in 2019, played sparingly in 2020, then emerged as a consistent performer from 2021 through 2023. His senior season production of 43 receptions for 593 yards and three touchdowns helped solidify his draft stock heading into the NFL.
| Competition Level | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Career | 26 | 66 | 768 | 5 |
| College (Utah) | 48 | 116 | 1,577 | 9 |
Devaughn Vele Family
Family Background and Heritage
Vele was raised by his mother, Afagaila, after his biological father left the family. He was later adopted by Efaraima, who became his father. His family history and upbringing have played a significant role in shaping his character and approach to football. Vele is of Samoan descent, and his heritage has contributed to his physical stature and athletic abilities.
Personal Life
Vele is married to Tymane Vele. His faith has been a central part of his life since he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two-year mission he served in Samoa after high school reflected his commitment to his religious beliefs. These experiences have influenced his perspective on hard work, discipline, and service.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a transition for Vele as he joined the New Orleans Saints following a mid-season trade from the Broncos. His early contributions with his new team, including a touchdown reception against the 49ers in Week 2, demonstrated his ability to adapt quickly to a new offense. He appeared in 13 games and made seven starts, showing consistency in his role as a receiving target.
Vele’s season was cut short by a shoulder injury sustained in Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers, resulting in his placement on season-ending injured reserve on December 19. This injury represents a setback in his development, though his track record of durability and recovery suggests a positive outlook. As he works through rehabilitation, Vele will aim to return to full health and contribute to the Saints’ offense in future seasons.