Mile High Report
Good morning, Broncos Country.
Yesterday evening, news broke that the Denver Broncos had agreed to trade Devaughn Vele to the New Orleans Saints. That’s an idea that our very own Scotty Payne had posited over the past few weeks. However, it wasn’t honestly something I thought would happen.
In a surprise haul, the Broncos will receive a fourth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as a seventh-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. There is a great possibility that selection ends up being a very early Day 3 pick—as the Saints are currently projected to be one of the worst teams in the National Football League. While the former seventh rounder impressed as a rookie, that was too good of a haul to pass on.
According to Jeff Duncan, multiple teams were interested in Vele, which he indicated as a potential reason why Denver received such a high return.
Appearing in 13 games with 7 starts, the former Utah Ute hauled in 41 receptions on 55 targets for 475 yards and three touchdowns last season. Twenty-six of those receptions went for first downs. Moreover, he sported a quality 74.5-percent catch rate. When the ball came his way, he found a way to make things happen. He was a productive player that outperformed any expectations fans could have had of him. I wish him well with the Saints.
Overall, I think this is a best for both parties. Vele will have a chance for a bigger role with the Saints. It’s also a win for the Broncos, who get more draft picks and the opportunity to let their other younger receivers grow and develop this season.
The other day, I wrote about the Broncos’ wide receiver room and offered some of Head Coach Sean Payton’s insight to how they will be utilized this year. With Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Pat Bryant all excelling this offseason, the opportunity presented itself for Denver to move on from a player that was very efficient last season. With the trade, I certainly see Bryant being a benefactor due to his size, physicality, and ability to line up in the slot.
Vele’s 55 targets were third most on the Broncos last season. That trailed only Courtland Sutton (130) and Javonte Williams (70). With Lil’Jordan Humphrey signing with the New York Giants this offseason, that is another 45 targets in the receiving game that will now go elsewhere. While Frankin (53) and Mims (52) will certainly get a good share of them, I’d expect Bryant to be the big winner here—as well as Evan Engram—who will definitely get plenty of time being a ‘big slot’ in the offense.
Over the past few years, General Manager George Paton has found a way to make some great trades prior to roster cutdowns that proved to be valuable for other moves down the road. While we are a long way away from knowing how these extra picks pan out, Paton getting a Top 120 selection (and a...
