As the Denver Broncos' mandatory minicamp wrapped up today, receiver Devaughn Vele was still absent. However, head coach Sean Payton said Vele will be a full go to start training camp.
Despite not being at minicamp this week, Vele was a player who did attend the voluntary OTAs earlier this offseason and performed well.
Reports from media who attended the Broncos' OTAs were that Vele added muscle this offseason and his route running had been more pristine. The 6-foot-5 receiver has all the size and speed and could have a big 2025 in his sophomore season.
Vele was the Broncos' seventh-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and outperformed for a seventh-round pick in his rookie campaign. The former Utah Ute finished third on the team in receiving with 475 yards.
The only two receivers with more yards for the Broncos in 2024 were Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims. Vele finished the season with 41 receptions and three touchdowns.
Vele is part of a crowded Broncos' receiving room heading into 2025 with fellow second-year receiver Troy Franklin and rookie Pat Bryant.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (17) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Nate Adkins (45) and tight end Adam Trautman (82) in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Although Vele had a strong showing in OTAs, his absence from minicamp could have put him a step behind heading into training camp.
Vele wasn't the only receiver absent from minicamp, as third-year receiver AT Perry has been away as well. However, Payton did say some players would not be attending minicamp for personal reasons.
While Payton said Vele will be good to go for the start of training camp, Perry will be a week or so behind.
Despite his absence from minicamp this week, Payton's news on Vele is good for Broncos fans, as 2025 is expected to be a big development year for the second-year receiver.
