ENGLEWOOD — Rookie Devaughn Vele is eager to stomp the gas on his NFL career. There is no time to waste for the 26-year-old Broncos wide receiver. “I’m not going to lie.
It’s no secret that I’m a lot older. Obviously, Father Time is undefeated,” Vele said Wednesday following the 14th training camp practice at Broncos Park . “I feel like I’ve got a little chip on my shoulder.
That I have to be better. Because I don’t have the luxury of developing or being that guy: ‘Oh yeah, in a few years he’ll be good.’ I feel like I have to contribute as much as I can now.
Whether that’s on special teams or it’s on practice squad.” Lately, after one Broncos preseason game, Vele is making his case for inclusion on the 53-man roster. The Utah product and seventh-round draft pick has the most impressive catch of training camp: A leaping one-handed touchdown grab .
Not that Vele noticed. He said: “I actually don’t have social media. So, I really don’t be paying attention to it as much.
” Vele’s combination of size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) and savvy is turning heads. Rookie outside linebacker Jonah Elliss called him a “sleeper” and lauded his athleticism. Elliss said: “I’m really excited for what he’s going to do for the people he’s proved wrong.
” Vele has been especially consistent throughout training camp. “You don't necessarily feel (Vele is) a rookie. I say that, just respectfully, he’s a little older than most in his class,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said.
“I like his transition and his body control for someone who is 6-4. Now, he’s low-cut, and that helps him. .
.. He put some good tape out there and continues to improve.
” Vele is motivated to perform in an especially deep wide receivers' room that includes Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Tim Patrick, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Marvin Mims Jr. and Brandon Johnson. “Every day you have to bring your ‘A’ game.
You can’t have an off day. Because one of those (other) guys is going to take advantage of that, and they could be the one who is taking your spot,” Vele said. “I really appreciate the competition.
I appreciate the love that they’re showing. The vets are really helping me and Troy out, especially as rookies. “But at the same time, we understand that it’s a competition.
Everybody is trying to find their spot on the roster.” Vele is looking forward to the second preseason game Sunday night against the Packers at Empower Field. “It was a little bit of nerves (against the Colts).
The first time being an NFL player,” Vele said. “I feel like the second time around, now that I’ve kind of got the nerves out of the way, we can start playing ball.”.
