The Denver Broncos are set to kick off the start of mandatory minicamp this morning in Dove Valley and Broncos Country sent in their mailbag questions. Fans want to know about Devaughn Vele and what his role may be for Sean Payton in his second season.
Denver Broncos Mailbag: Mandatory Minicamp Edition
Broncos Country, training camp is right around the corner, but before we get there, mandatory minicamp kicks off this week, and there are a handful of storylines we’ll have our eyes on. If you want to be featured in next week’s post-minicamp mailbag, be sure to send in your questions to cody@milehighsports.com.
I keep hearing how great Devaughn Vele has looked in camp. Do you think he has a realistic shot at WR2? – Bruno.
My early estimation right now is that Devaughn Vele will be the second pillar at wide receiver opposite of Courtland Sutton. With the amount of depth at wide receiver that this team has, Sutton will likely lead the team in targets, and either Vele or Evan Engram will follow right behind him.
Devaughn Vele looks like he’ll be a pillar player at WR alongside Courtland Sutton. Noticeably more muscle mass to him this offseason compared to last year. pic.twitter.com/XI8z0xyX7E
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) June 6, 2025
Even though pads haven’t been thrown on yet, Vele looks like he’s put on more muscle mass this offseason and still has a short burst of explosiveness to his game. Last week, he made a terrific sideline catch during OTAs in the team period, getting both feet in despite contested coverage from Ja’Quan McMillian.
What defensive position group do you think training camp is the most important for and has the most room for an underdog to come up and challenge for real snaps this year? – Rob.
Great question, Rob. I think the secondary is the most important position group going into training camp. The depth at cornerback and safety is loaded right now, and there will be plenty of healthy competition. I debated on going with the linebacker position, but there are so many question marks surrounding that group right now. If Alex Singleton and Dre Greenlaw stay healthy, they’ll be good at linebacker.
It’s obvious, with the NFL Draft and after the cornerback room suffered injuries last season, that the Denver Broncos wanted to add to the room. Right now, I’d be willing to bet the top five of the roster at corner will be Patrick Surtain II, Riley Moss, Jahdae Barron, Ja’Quan McMillian, and Kris Abrams-Draine.
The first four mentioned will likely play a lot of snaps defensively, while Abrams-Draine will serve as an important depth option. I’d also expect the second-year cornerback to take on the role of being a gunner for Darren Rizzi for punt coverage and special teams.
With that said, Abrams-Draine would be my answer to the second part of your question. In the event of an injury, KAD would be a reliable option to step into the starting lineup if called upon.
What are the chances of Nate Adkins beating out Michael Burton for the FB position? What would it mean for expanded playbook options with Adkins? Seems like Payton could go crazy with a receiving threat from the FB position. – Marco.
I am curious to see when training camp rolls around if we see Adkins and Burton compete. Obviously, with Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, Caleb Lohner, Lucas Krull, and Caden Prieskorn in the mix, Adkins’ special-teams value, plus ability to catch passes, would make him a younger option for Sean Payton to use at fullback.
Ultimately, it boils down to who offers more value — Burton does a great job as a true traditional fullback in today’s game while also playing 63% and 62% special teams snaps in his last two seasons for the Broncos. Adkins played 59% of Denver’s special teams snaps last season and saw 420 total offensive snaps last year, taking on a larger workload.
Adkins play style might transform more into a hybrid fullback that we’ll see more of in today’s game.
Will the Denver Broncos eventually sign J.K. Dobbins? – Deandre.
From what I understand, the Broncos are interested in Dobbins, and he’s very interested in playing for them despite leaving the building last week without a deal.
Shared my thoughts on @MileHighSports Today during yesterday’s appearance about J.K. Dobbins. pic.twitter.com/D1fKAr7wre
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) June 10, 2025
This is my own personal speculation, but I’d imagine the Broncos would like to sign Jahdae Barron and RJ Harvey to their rookie contracts first before bringing in somebody from the outside. While both of those players signed injury protection agreements back at rookie minicamp, the process has taken a bit longer than most thought.
As we get ready to head to practice this morning, I’ll be curious to see if Barron and Harvey participate despite having signed protection agreements as we get closer to training camp next month.
If Dobbins signs, it could be by the end of this week, sometime next week, or right before training camp. Despite Dobbins and the Broncos’ mutual interest, Payton reiterated his stance on liking the group of backs the team has currently.
“We really like the group right now we’re working with,” Payton said. “It’s just another opportunity to possibly bring in another good football player to help us win.”
Denver Broncos Mailbag: What will Devaughn Vele’s role be for Sean Payton? Mile High Sports.
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