DevaughnVele

News: 3 days agoVele caught seven passes on nine targets for 69 yards and a touchdown during the Saints' 31-30 overtime loss to the Lions on Sunday.

Spin: With Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) on injured reserve, Vele lined up as the Saints' WR2 behind Chris Olave. The Saints' offense found its footing in the second half after being blanked in the first, with Vele contributing by catching a one-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Shough before the duo connected on a 31-yard pass early in the fourth quarter, leading to a 28-yard field goal from Daniel Carlson four plays later. Vele was one catch shy from matching a career high he set twice before Sunday, and he could be a prominent piece in the Saints' offense alongside Olave, running back Travis Etienne and tight end Juwan Johnson. Vele and the Saints will stay on the road for Week 2 against the Ravens on Sept. 20.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Vele is expected to open the season as New Orleans' No. 2 receiver behind Chris Olave until Jordyn Tyson returns from injury near midseason. Vele's first season with the Saints was marred with injuries. The 2024 seventh-round pick, who posted a 41-475-3 receiving line with Denver as a rookie, barely played throughout most of 2025 prior to taking on an every-down role during Weeks 10-15. In those five games (one of which he left hurt), he averaged 5.6 targets per game, but reached 12.0 fantasy points once (an 8-93-1 effort in Week 13 against Miami). The 28-year-old has yet to show he can be relied on for consistent targets and fantasy production, but he'll play an every-down role early on, which makes him a sleeper for flex value in deep leagues. He'll be worth a roster spot until Tyson returns.