DevaughnVele

News: 21 hours agoVele caught five of seven targets for 64 yards during Sunday's 24-17 win over the Ravens.

Spin: Vele was able to remain a major part of the Saints' offensive attack, finishing second on the team in targets behind fellow wide receiver Chris Olave (10) in Week 2. The 28-year-old appears to have solidified himself as the team's No. 2 wide receiver with Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) on injured reserve, catching 12 of 16 targets for 133 yards and a touchdown over the first two games of the 2026 campaign. Vele will have a strong chance to keep up his hot start to the season when New Orleans faces the Raiders in Week 3.

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.