In a draft filled with predictable picks, the Denver Broncos rolled the dice on one of the most interesting players in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team decided to pick Utah tight end Caleb Lohner in the seventh round (241st overall). Lohner is a former college basketball star who only recently started playing football.
The Story Behind Utah’s Wild Card Pick Caleb Lohner
Caleb Lohner’s athletic journey is anything but conventional. At BYU from 2020 to 2022, he averaged 7 points and 7 rebounds per game, establishing himself as a star in the West Coast Conference. After transferring to Baylor and then Utah, Lohner balanced basketball and football in his final college year.
At Utah, he transitioned to tight end, catching just four passes in 2024, but all four were touchdowns. “Perhaps the Broncos fell in love with Lohner’s stat line: four catches, all four touchdowns,” wrote Nick Kosmider of The Athletic.
Well… that’s something. The Denver Broncos have selected Caleb Lohner in the 7th round of the NFL Draft.
Yes, that Caleb Lohner, who averaged 7 ppg, 7 rpg at BYU in 20-21 and 21-22 before transferring to Baylor and then played football and basketball this year at Utah.… pic.twitter.com/nwxhqPrvBE
— Sean Paul (@SeanPaulCBB) April 26, 2025
Standing 6’7″ and 256 pounds, Lohner is a specimen. His combine metrics, 32.5-inch arms, an 80-inch wingspan, a 4.69 40-yard dash, a 37-inch vertical, and a 10’6” broad jump are some of the best physiques any team can ask for.
“He’s a big, athletic project for Sean Payton,” said a Broncos scout.
With only one year of college football experience, Lohner is a developmental prospect likely to start on the practice squad, but his potential has Denver fans gushing over him.
Why Did Utah Make The Pick?
Lohner’s selection was a special moment in the 2025 NFL Draft, which concluded on April 26. The Athletic named him one of its favorite picks across all 32 teams. Unlike higher-profile picks, Lohner’s appeal lies in his versatility and untapped potential.
His transition mirrors rare success stories like Antonio Gates, a basketball star turned NFL tight end. While Lohner faces a steep climb to make Denver’s 53-man roster, his athleticism and touchdown skills make him a compelling project.
The Broncos’ gamble aligns with a broader trend. Of the 257 players drafted in 2025, several, like Utah State’s Jalen Royals (picked 133rd by Kansas City), were prioritized for their versatility.
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Royals, a former running back turned receiver, was likened to Deebo Samuel for his multi-faceted playmaking. Lohner’s pick, though later, carries similar movement as teams increasingly seek athletes who can adapt across roles.
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