Sean Payton has never been one to waste words, especially when it comes to roster evaluation. So when the Denver Broncos head coach had plenty to say about undrafted tight end Caleb Lohner following rookie minicamp, the football world took notice.
The three-day minicamp, which wrapped up over the weekend at the Broncos' training facility, gave the coaching staff their first extended look at the 2026 rookie class and a handful of tryout players. While much of the attention naturally gravitated toward the draft picks and established veterans working out on the side, it was Lohner--a 6-foot-5, 255-pound project from BYU--who left the strongest impression on Payton and his staff.
"This kid is wired differently," Payton said in his post-minicamp press conference. "He's got basketball background, you can see it in his feet and his hands. But he's also willing to do the dirty work. He's not afraid to put his face in there and block. That's hard to find in a guy who's only been playing tight end for a couple of years."
Lohner, who originally committed to BYU on a basketball scholarship before transitioning to football in 2024, is the latest in a growing line of multi-sport athletes attempting to carve out an NFL career. His path is unconventional, but his physical tools are undeniable. During the three-day camp, he showed the ability to high-point passes in traffic, separate from linebackers on seam routes, and hold his own in run-blocking drills.
For a Broncos team that is currently stacked at tight end with veteran signee Evan Engram, returning starter Adam Trautman, and holdovers Lucas Krull and Nate Adkins, Lohner faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster. But minicamp performances like this one suggest he could be a candidate for the practice squad--or potentially push for a spot if injuries strike during training camp.
The Basketball-to-Tight End Pipeline
The NBA-to-NFL transition has become something of a niche trend in recent years. Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham, and Tony Gonzalez all made the switch from the hardwood to the gridiron with Hall of Fame or Pro Bowl results. More recently, players like Mo Alie-Cox and Logan Thomas have carved out respectable careers using the same blueprint.
Lohner fits that mold. He spent four years on the hardwood at BYU, playing in 98 games for the Cougars' basketball program. His basketball tape shows a physical forward who wasn't afraid to mix it up in the paint, box out for rebounds, and finish through contact--traits that translate directly to contested catches and blocking at the NFL level.
"Basketball players have a natural advantage when it comes to tracking the ball in the air and adjusting their body position," Payton noted. "Caleb showed that this weekend. He caught everything in his radius, and he made a couple of plays where he had to contort his body to get to the ball. Those are things you can't teach."
The biggest hurdle for basketball converts is always the technical aspect of blocking. In the NBA, you're not asked to drive a defensive end into the turf or seal a linebacker on a pulling guard. Lohner spent the last year and a half at BYU learning the nuances of inline blocking, zone schemes, and pass protection. His improvement in that area was evident during the minicamp drills.
Day-by-Day Breakdown
According to team sources, Lohner started the weekend quietly. Day one was about learning the playbook, getting aligned correctly, and not thinking too much. Coaches wanted to see if he could process information quickly and apply it on the field. The early returns were positive but unspectacular.
Day two saw a noticeable uptick. Lohner began to play faster, trusting his instincts rather than overanalyzing every snap. During 7-on-7 drills, he ran a crisp out route, planted his foot in the ground, and created separation against a safety. The pass was high and behind him, but Lohner extended his arms, adjusted his body mid-stride, and secured the catch before getting both feet down. The offensive coaches erupted on the sideline.
Day three was when Lohner put together his most complete performance. During 11-on-11 team drills, he was used both inline and in the slot. On one rep, he executed a chip-and-release to perfection, stalling the edge rusher just long enough before bursting into the flat for a check-down throw. Later, he sealed the backside defensive end on an outside zone run, allowing the running back to cut back into the crease for a decent gain.
"He's not there yet," Payton emphasized. "He knows that. We know that. But the key is, he's shown he can take coaching and apply it the next day. That's what we're looking for in young players."
Roster Implications
The Broncos' tight end room is one of the deeper position groups on the roster. Evan Engram is the presumed starter after signing a multi-year deal in free agency. He brings receiving production, route-running nuance, and veteran savvy to a young offense. Behind him, Adam Trautman is a reliable blocking tight end who can also catch the ball when called upon. Lucas Krull has flashed as a move tight end/H-back type, while Nate Adkins is a special teams contributor who provides depth.
That depth chart leaves little room for an undrafted rookie like Lohner. However, Payton has a history of keeping developmental tight ends on the practice squad. The Broncos typically carry three tight ends on the active roster, but the 16-man practice squad offers flexibility to stash projects.
"It's about finding guys who have traits that you can develop," Payton explained. "Caleb has those traits. Now it's up to us to coach him up and for him to stay committed to the process."
If Lohner continues to impress during OTAs, mandatory minicamp, and training camp, he could force the Broncos to consider carrying four tight ends--or at least make the decision difficult when roster cuts arrive in August.
What Minicamp Tells Us About the 2026 Broncos
Beyond Lohner's individual performance, rookie minicamp offered a broader glimpse into the direction of this Broncos team under Payton, offensive coordinator Davis Webb, and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
The 2026 roster has been significantly reshaped from previous iterations. General Manager George Paton and Payton have prioritized athleticism, versatility, and football intelligence. They've added explosive playmakers at wide receiver--Jaylen Waddle and Pat Bryant join Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. to form one of the deeper receiving corps in the league. The running back room features a committee approach with J.K. Dobbins, Jaleel McLaughlin, Deuce Vaughn, and newcomer RJ Harvey.
Defensively, the secondary is headlined by All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain II, with Jahdae Barron joining the mix at cornerback after a standout college career. The safety tandem of Talanoa Hufanga and Brandon Jones gives Vance Joseph range and physicality on the back end. Up front, Zach Allen and D.J. Jones anchor a defensive line that should be disruptive against both the run and pass.
But perhaps the most important storyline for the 2026 Broncos is the quarterback situation. The team enters the season with Bo Nix as the presumed starter after a full offseason with Payton. Jarrett Stidham provides experienced insurance, while Sam Ehlinger is battling for a roster spot as the third option. If Nix takes the expected step forward in Year 2, the Broncos could be a fringe playoff contender in a tough AFC West division.
The Long View
For Caleb Lohner, the immediate goal is simple: earn a spot on the roster. Whether that's the 53-man active roster or the practice squad, he needs to show enough over the next three months that the Broncos are willing to invest in his development. His minicamp performance was a strong first step.
Payton didn't guarantee anything for Lohner, but his tone suggested genuine intrigue. In a league where coaches often guard their evaluations closely, the fact that Payton volunteered positive observations about an undrafted rookie is notable.
"He's got a long way to go," Payton said. "But he's got a chance. And that's all you can ask for at this stage."
The road from undrafted free agent to NFL contributor is long and narrow. Lohner has the physical tools and the basketball background that has produced success stories before. Now it's about consistency, durability, and continued growth.
If his three-day performance at rookie minicamp is any indication, Caleb Lohner might just be the next name on that list of basketball converts who found a home in the NFL. And the Broncos appear eager to be the team that helps him get there.