Broncos HC draws parallels between rookie Devaughn Vele and Saints legend Marques Colston

The Denver Broncos may have found a star in wide receiver Devaughn Vele. He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL draft after his collegiate career at the University of Utah.

Vele has quickly emerged as one of the Broncos' top receivers and a key asset for rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Broncos coach Sean Payton praised the rookie wideout’s talent, even comparing him to former New Orleans Saints standout Marques Colston.

“Very quickly we’ve seen his growth," Payton told reporters on Monday. "So he’s been really good. The strengths for him certainly are his hands. You guys saw it in camp. He has strong hands in traffic. He’s a guy that plays well over the middle. He reminds me a lot of Marques Colston, who I had in New Orleans for 10 or 11 years."

Payton drafted wide receiver Marques Colston in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL draft. Colston became a key part of the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.

Devaughn Vele had a career-high day in win vs. Raiders

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix had a rough start to his NFL career. In the process of maturing as a quarterback, Nix has trusted his wide receivers to make plays happen.

One of those receivers is rookie Devaughn Vele. In Sunday’s win over AFC West rival Las Vegas Raiders, Vele recorded six receptions for 80 yards on nine targets. A career-high in yards for the rookie WR. His ability as a slant runner had also been a key part of the Broncos' recent success in the passing game.

This season, Vele has recorded 32 receptions for 361 yards and one touchdown in eight games. The first and only touchdown came in Week 10 against the Chiefs.

The Broncos are 7-5 and third in the AFC West division, and they hold the seventh seed and the final wild-card spot.