Saints' trade for talented Broncos WR Devaughn Vele is clouded by injury concern
Vele also missed four games last year with a ribs injury, but thankfully that isn't related to his knee issue. The Saints wouldn't have made this trade if they weren't comfortable in taking a risk on the 27-year old.
"Part of it is the maintenance on his knee, making sure he's fresh," Broncos coach Sean Payton said earlier this summer, when asked about Vele's absences. "It's a little bit easier to maintain in-season than when you're just stacking day after day in training camp. So we'll continue to find his spots. He's a big target on third down and in the red zone.'
Hopefully it isn't a big deal. Vele only played in one of Denver's first two preseason games so far, but that may or may not be related. And Payton is right about his efficiency on critical downs: Vele caught 12 of his 16 targets on third downs as a rookie, converting 11 first downs; in the red zone, all six of his receptions (on seven throws) moved the chains or scored a touchdown. And in contested-catch situations, Pro Football Focus charting found that he went 9-of-15, turning 50/50 balls into 60/40 opportunities. He knows how to use his 6-foot-5 frame. Let's see if it can make a difference.
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