The New Orleans Saints almost pulled off a huge road upset in Week 1, falling just short against the Detroit Lions on the road in the Motor City. Kellen Moore’s up-tempo attack looked very effective once again to start the year, and wide receiver Devaughn Vele had a big first week. Can Vele be a reliable fantasy football option going forward? Let’s dive in and take a look at his upside going forward and if he makes sense to add to your squad from the waiver wire.
I highlighted Vele in my Week 1 WR sleepers before he went off and again pointed in his direction in my top Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 2, which included some great options at a variety of positions.
Devaughn Vele is a Must-Add from the Waiver Wire
Vele’s rise into a significant role began last year after the Broncos traded him to the Saints just before the start of the season. Vele wasn’t very involved until late in the year, but he showed a very strong connection with Tyler Shough down the stretch. He had at least three catches and averaged 59.8 receiving yards per game in his final four games before a shoulder injury shut him down for the year.
Vele was expected to be pushed to the third receiver role this season after the Saints drafted Jordyn Tyson, but Tyson (hamstring) started the season on IR and will miss at least the first four weeks of the year. That left Vele as the second receiver behind only Chris Olave for Week 1.
Olave had a monster game with 10 catches for 182 yards, but he was in-and-out of Sunday’s game while dealing with some cramping and the effects of landing “goofy” on his back after making a leaping catch. While Olave is expected to be all right for Week 2, Vele could be even busier if any of his issues carry over.
Even with Olave going off for a huge game, Vele hauled in seven of his nine targets for 69 yards and a touchdown. He showed he can be a big target down the field for big gains but also a strong possession option near the goal line.
Can Vele be reliabe?
For at least the next three weeks, Vele should be the team’s second receiver while Tyson is out, and Tyson could need some time to ramp up when he is ready to play. Vele has such a strong connection with Shough that he should be a top-30 receiver and FLEX option for the next three weeks with the potential to lock into that level if he continues to produce.
In Week 1, Shough had 56 pass attempts, which was partly boosted by the overtime period. However, last year he averaged 34.9 pass attempts in his last seven games, so the volume is definitely there with Moore letting him air it out on a regular basis, whether playing from behind or ahead.
With that potential workload, Vele should continue to be a strong starting option at least until Tyson returns. If you can add him from the waiver wire before Week 2, he could be a sell-high candidate before Tyson returns, or he could keep right on rolling as one of Shough’s favorite targets.
The Bottom Line–Add Vele in All Formats
While a lot of receivers went off in Week 1 from the waiver wire, Vele is my favorite pickup from the group, especially in the short term. For the next three weeks, when the Saints face the Ravens, Raiders and Falcons, he should be a startable option in all formats. He has the potential to stay relevant long-term, but he’s also a great quick-fix option if you need receiver help with so many Week 1 injuries.
