Context:

Caleb Lohner, a promising rookie for the Denver Broncos, is drawing comparisons to former Saints legend Jimmy Graham due to his unique background and potential. Originally a college basketball player from BYU, Baylor, and Utah, Lohner transitioned to college football with the Utes in 2024. Despite limited experience, his remarkable physical attributes, including a 6-foot-7 frame and a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, have generated excitement among the Broncos' coaching staff, particularly coach Sean Payton. The team envisions Lohner developing into a standout player as they continue to build around young talent, including their franchise quarterback, Bo Nix. With patience and careful development, the Broncos hope Lohner can emulate Graham's successful transition from basketball to becoming a top-tier NFL tight end.

Dive Deeper:

• Caleb Lohner, drafted in the seventh round by the Denver Broncos, has a background as a college basketball player at BYU, Baylor, and Utah, and recently transitioned to playing college football in 2024.

• Despite having only 57 snaps of college football experience, Lohner's physical prowess, including his height of 6-foot-7, weight of 250 pounds, a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, and a 37-inch vertical leap have caught the attention of the Broncos.

• The Broncos' coach, Sean Payton, expressed optimism about Lohner's potential, noting his movement skills observed during the Big 12 Pro Day and comparing his trajectory to that of Jimmy Graham, who successfully transitioned from basketball to a star NFL tight end.

• Lohner's performance at the Big 12 Pro Day, where he showed impressive athleticism, has fueled expectations that he can follow in Graham's footsteps and become a key player for the Broncos.

• With the team focused on growth and development, the Broncos are prepared to be patient with Lohner as they integrate him into their rising roster, which includes young talent like quarterback Bo Nix.

• The Broncos hope that Lohner's development will complement other improvements within the team, potentially enhancing their competitiveness in the NFL.

• Lohner's story mirrors that of Jimmy Graham, who had a limited football background but became a superstar tight end for the New Orleans Saints under Sean Payton's guidance.

• The Denver Broncos' most intriguing rookie played 57 snaps of college football.

• They hope he can turn into a player resembling Saints legend Jimmy Graham.

• That's the hype around Caleb Lohner, who Denver took in the seventh-round of last month's draft.

• Lohner was a college basketball player (BYU, Baylor, Utah) who only joined the Utes for the 2024 college football season.

• He had nine targets, catching four, all touchdowns.

• Lohner measures at 6-foot-7, 250 pounds and ran a 4.69-second 40-yard dash with a 37-inch vertical leap at the Big 12 Pro Day.

• "You're looking at a small amount of playing time and yet enough to where you're watching them," coach Sean Payton told ESPN. "I think the other thing that helped was watching him at the Big 12 pro day. There were just a few plays that you see movement skills and it's a lot to work with. If it turns out like the last one did, then we'd be really excited."

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• That last sentence alludes to Graham, who played just 13 games for Miami's football team along with his four years as a Hurricanes hooper.

• Graham was a superstar for the Saints as one of the best tight ends in football.

• The Broncos can be patient with Lohner. Franchise QB Bo Nix is only entering his second season, and this Denver team should be on the rise for the next few years. 

• If Lohner develops into a star, it'll be the perfect development to pair with other improvements all around the Broncos.

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