Denver Broncos rookie tight end Caleb Lohner is uniquely positioned to embark on a professional career after transitioning from college basketball. Having honed his skills in the competitive environment of collegiate basketball, Lohner aims to leverage his athletic abilities and understanding of teamwork to thrive in the NFL. The switch from the hardwood to the gridiron requires not only physical adjustments but also a keen understanding of the game dynamics and strategies of football.

While some athletes face challenges in such drastic changes, Lohner's background may enhance his adaptability and resilience. His basketball training instilled a deep sense of competitive spirit and discipline, essential traits for the demanding role of an NFL tight end, where versatility and athleticism are paramount. As he continues to develop, all eyes will be on Lohner to see if he can carve out a niche in the Broncos' roster and follow the footsteps of other successful crossover athletes.

The Denver Broncos made a surprising choice with their final pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Caleb Lohner, a tight end from Utah. Lohner, who previously starred as a basketball player, has only recorded four career receptions in his collegiate football career. Coach Sean Payton expressed enthusiasm for Lohner's unique athleticism and potential, emphasizing the importance of versatility in today’s game. While unorthodox, Lohner’s selection reflects a growing trend in the NFL to cultivate multi-sport athletes.

Given his limited experience at the position, the Broncos coaching staff will need to devote time to develop Lohner’s skills as a tight end. His background in basketball might provide him with an edge in route running and catching ability, but translating those skills to the rigors of the NFL will be critical. Payton's vision for using Lohner creatively could make him a player to watch as the season unfolds.

The Denver Broncos are making strides to reclaim their spot in Super Bowl contention after a busy offseason. They recently secured five promising players from their 2025 NFL Draft class, including standout wide receiver Pay Bryant, who had an impressive final year at Illinois, totaling 984 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. The Broncos also solidified their defense with outside linebacker Que Robinson and defensive end Sai’Vion Jones, who had significant production at Alabama and LSU, respectively. Rookie punter Jeremy Crawshaw adds experience, while tight end Caleb Lohner, a former college basketball talent, could emerge as a wildcard option for the offense.

The Indianapolis Colts aimed to bolster their tight end position by targeting former basketball player Caleb Lohner after the 2025 NFL Draft. They had an agreement in place with Lohner, who played at Utah, to join them as an undrafted free agent if he went unselected. However, the Denver Broncos snatched him up shortly thereafter.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard has a history of adding multi-sport athletes, and bringing in Lohner would have fit this strategy well. Despite limited experience on the football field, with only 57 offensive snaps in 2024, the Colts viewed Lohner as a potential developmental project, capitalizing on his athleticism and natural ball skills.

Ultimately, the Colts' pursuit of Lohner became futile as they pivot to other options at tight end, reflecting their flexible approach to roster building.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, five Denver Broncos selections scored remarkably high in the Relative Athletic Scores (RAS) metric, which evaluates athletes based on speed, agility, and overall athleticism. Leading the class was defensive lineman Saiv'ion Jones, topping the list with a score of 9.20, while tight end Caleb Lohner followed closely with an impressive 8.83. Other notable scores included cornerback Jahdae Barron at 8.63, running back RJ Harvey at 8.49, and wide receiver Pat Bryant at 7.05. RAS scores provide valuable insights for teams and fans, highlighting the athletic potential these young players bring to the field.

This year's draft class showcases a blend of physical prowess that could significantly enhance the Broncos' roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. With rookie minicamp around the corner, fans are eager to see how these promising prospects will fit into the team's schemes and contribute to their success.