Devaughn Vele Bio
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. Standing 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighing around 209 pounds, Vele is known for his size, sure hands, and reliability as a pass catcher.
Early Life and Background
Devaughn Vele was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, and grew up in a close-knit family of Samoan descent. He was raised by his single mother, Afagaila, and was later adopted by his stepfather, Efaraima. His Samoan heritage and family faith played a central role in shaping his upbringing and character.
Vele attended Rancho Bernardo High School in San Diego, California, where he developed into a promising wide receiver. During his senior season, he led the team to its first state championship title in 2015, an early highlight that foreshadowed his future success on the football field. After high school, he served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spending time in Samoa.
Following his mission, Vele returned home focused on continuing his football career. He chose to walk on at the University of Utah, setting the stage for his eventual rise through the college ranks.
Path to American Football
After arriving at Utah as a walk-on, Devaughn Vele had to earn every opportunity on the practice field. During the 2019 season, he redshirted, using the year to learn the playbook and add size to his frame. In 2020, he appeared in five games and recorded two catches for 12 yards, showing steady growth as a young receiver.
Heading into the 2021 season, Vele’s hard work paid off when he earned a scholarship from the Utes coaching staff. That year, he broke out with 23 receptions for 389 yards and a touchdown, including a 37-yard scoring grab against USC. He continued his climb in 2022, tallying 50 receptions for 595 yards and five touchdowns, and capped his college career in 2023 with 43 receptions for 593 yards and three touchdowns before declaring for the 2024 NFL draft.
Devaughn Vele Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Devaughn Vele’s early years at Utah were defined by patience and persistence. After redshirting in 2019, he spent the shortened 2020 season adjusting to the speed of the college game. His two receptions for 12 yards that year were modest, but they gave the coaching staff confidence that he could develop into a reliable target.
Utah Utes Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Vele’s college breakthrough came in 2021, when he earned a scholarship and posted 23 receptions for 389 yards and a touchdown. His performance against USC, where he caught a 37-yard touchdown pass, signaled his arrival as a playmaker for the Utes.
In 2022, Vele elevated his production with 50 receptions for 595 yards and five touchdowns, ranking among Utah’s top receivers. Although he originally considered entering the 2023 NFL draft, he chose to return for his senior season and continued producing, finishing 2023 with 43 receptions for 593 yards and three touchdowns. His consistent production helped solidify his draft stock.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–2025)
Devaughn Vele was selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round, 235th overall, of the 2024 NFL draft. He made an immediate impact in his debut, hauling in eight receptions for 39 yards against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. He went on to catch his first career touchdown in Week 10 against the Kansas City Chiefs and finished his rookie year with 41 receptions for 475 yards and three touchdowns.
New Orleans Saints Era (2025–Present)
On August 20, 2025, the Denver Broncos traded Vele to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick and a 2027 seventh-round pick. He quickly contributed for New Orleans, catching a three-yard touchdown pass from Spencer Rattler against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, marking his first scoring play as a Saint.
Driving Style and Strengths
Devaughn Vele plays a physical, possession-style role at wide receiver, using his 6-foot-5 frame to win contested catches and move the chains. He is valued for his reliable hands, smooth route running, and ability to line up in multiple spots across the formation, giving his quarterbacks a trusted downfield option.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Vele’s key career moments are leading Rancho Bernardo High School to its first state championship in 2015, posting a 37-yard touchdown against USC in 2021, and recording eight receptions in his NFL debut with the Broncos in 2024. His first NFL touchdown against Kansas City and his first Saints touchdown against San Francisco in 2025 also stand out as memorable early milestones.
Devaughn Vele Career Wins
Devaughn Vele’s career highlights are rooted in his steady development from walk-on to professional contributor. His most notable wins include a high school state championship, multiple productive college seasons, and consistent production in his first NFL campaigns.
College Highlights
During his time at Utah, Vele posted his best statistical season in 2022 with 50 receptions for 595 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that with 43 catches for 593 yards and three scores in 2023, capping his career as one of the Utes’ most reliable receivers. He also caught a 37-yard touchdown pass against USC in 2021, a defining moment in his college rise.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his on-field success, Vele’s perseverance stands out. He earned a scholarship after initially walking on at Utah, then earned a seventh-round selection in the 2024 NFL draft, and quickly produced for both the Broncos and Saints. His consistent role as a possession receiver has been a defining feature of his early professional career.
Devaughn Vele Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Devaughn Vele was raised in a family of Samoan descent by his single mother, Afagaila, and his stepfather, Efaraima, who later adopted him. His cultural roots and family faith have been central to his identity and continue to influence his approach to football and life.
Personal Life
Vele is married to his wife, Tymane Vele. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and previously served a two-year mission in Samoa following high school, an experience he has often credited with shaping his discipline and work ethic.
2025 Season Performance
Devaughn Vele entered the 2025 NFL season still developing his role with the New Orleans Saints after his mid-preseason trade from Denver. Despite the short adjustment period, he made an immediate impact by catching a three-yard touchdown pass from Spencer Rattler against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, giving the Saints a new red-zone option.
Through the early portion of the 2025 campaign, Vele has been used as a possession receiver and chain-mover, lining up both outside and in the slot. His height and catch radius have made him a reliable target on third downs and in contested situations. He has continued to build chemistry with his new quarterback room and coaching staff in New Orleans.
Looking ahead, Vele is expected to play a key complementary role in the Saints’ passing game as the season progresses. If he maintains his current trajectory, he could finish 2025 with his most productive NFL season to date, further cementing his place in the Saints’ offensive plans.