The Denver Broncos are no strangers to taking risks on athletic projects, and Caleb Lohner is their latest gamble. A former college basketball player with just 57 snaps of college football experience, Lohner was the Broncos' final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 241 overall). Despite his limited football resume, his athleticism and potential have drawn comparisons to Jimmy Graham, another former basketball player who became one of the NFL's most dominant tight ends.

A Unique Path to the NFL

Lohner's journey to the NFL is anything but conventional. After playing only one season of college football at Utah, where he caught four passes—all for touchdowns—he spent the majority of his collegiate career on the basketball court. Standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing 250 pounds, Lohner's physical tools are undeniable. His performance at the Big 12 pro day, where he ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 37-inch vertical jump, showcased the raw athleticism that intrigued the Broncos.

The Jimmy Graham Comparison

Broncos head coach Sean Payton has firsthand experience developing a basketball-to-football convert. Payton was instrumental in Jimmy Graham's rise with the New Orleans Saints, where Graham became a five-time Pro Bowler. Like Graham, Lohner possesses the size, speed, and leaping ability to excel in the red zone. Payton sees similarities in their movement skills and believes Lohner could follow a similar trajectory.

Learning from the Best

Lohner joins a tight end room that includes veteran Evan Engram, who signed a two-year deal with the Broncos this offseason. Engram's experience and mentorship will be invaluable as Lohner transitions to the NFL. While Lohner acknowledges that some of his basketball skills, like jumping and high-pointing the ball, translate to football, he’s eager to master the fundamentals of his new position.

Early Expectations

The Broncos are taking a patient approach with Lohner, recognizing that his development will take time. However, his physicality and red zone potential could earn him early opportunities, especially in goal-line situations. As one NFC general manager noted, Lohner's ability to overpower defenders on touchdown catches is a sign of his untapped potential.

A Long-Term Project

Lohner's path may resemble that of Julius Thomas, another former basketball player who blossomed into a key weapon for the Broncos during the Peyton Manning era. Thomas took a couple of years to develop but eventually became a reliable target, scoring 24 touchdowns over two seasons. The Broncos hope Lohner can follow a similar trajectory, using his athleticism to carve out a role in their offense.

Final Thoughts

Caleb Lohner's story is one of untapped potential and high-risk, high-reward upside. While he may not make an immediate impact, his athleticism and work ethic give the Broncos reason to believe he could become their next standout tight end. As Payton said, 'If it turns out like the last one did, then we'd be really excited.'