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Broncos Attempting to Make Two-Sport Star Next 'Jimmy Graham'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Andy Hageman | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 11:35 AM ET

The Denver Broncos’ seventh-round pick, Caleb Lohner, traded basketball for football, sparking comparisons to NFL legend Jimmy Graham.

At 6-foot-7, his raw athleticism dazzled Utah coaches, who saw a “future star” in the NFL. His unconventional journey from hoops to gridiron captivates. But can the two-sport tight end become the next big thing to grace the gridiron?

Lohner was a free spirit growing up, rebuilding a 1960s van with grit and grease-stained cheeks. “There are people who plan life, and people who follow it,” his uncle Mike Lohner said (h/t The Denver Post). Caleb followed his heart, diving into football after a standout basketball career at BYU, Baylor, and Utah.

At Utah, Lohner’s football experience was sparse, with 57 snaps, four catches, and all touchdowns. “He’s a freakish athlete,” Utah tight ends coach Freddie Whittingham noted, recalling a PowerPoint comparing Lohner to Graham, a 6-foot-6 hoops star turned All-Pro tight end.

Lohner’s 37-inch vertical and 4.69-second 40-yard dash at the Big 12 Pro Day sealed his draft stock.

Broncos coach Sean Payton, who molded Graham in New Orleans, saw Lohner’s potential.

“You see traits, movement skills—there’s a lot to work with,” Payton said post-draft (h/t Broncos). Lohner’s red-zone prowess mirrors Graham's early career, boxing out defenders like a rebounder.

Despite limited football reps, Lohner’s work ethic shines. “I just want to learn,” he told The Denver Post. Utah’s staff taught him to wear pads; now, he’s mastering NFL playbooks.

Will Lohner rise like Graham or fade as a project pick? Training camp looms, and Broncos fans await a glimpse of their raw gem. His story—unpolished, bold, and brimming with upside—demands attention.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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