At the Denver Broncos' rookie minicamp this past weekend, one player unexpectedly stole the spotlight from head coach Sean Payton: tight end Caleb Lohner. "He looks entirely different in this camp," Payton said, noting that Lohner's transformation has been remarkable since his rookie season.

Lohner, a former basketball standout at Utah, was selected by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He spent his entire first year on the practice squad, but now he's turning heads with his newfound confidence and athleticism. "Everything looks entirely different," Payton explained. "One year into the program, how he's moving, what he's doing—it's entirely noticeable. He's in great shape, and you can see his athleticism."

At 6-foot-7 and 265 pounds, Lohner brings a unique blend of size and agility to the tight end position. Payton even referenced a coaching classic from Bill Parcells: "If they don't bite when they're puppies, they're probably never going to bite." But Lohner has shown he's not afraid of physical contact, whether blocking or rushing the passer on scout team. "He's not afraid of the contact," Payton added. "It's been good to see him in Year 2."

Lohner himself echoed that sentiment, saying, "I think I've come a long way. I'm feeling a lot more comfortable going into my second year with the club."

With organized team activities set for early June and a mandatory minicamp on the horizon, Lohner will rejoin the veterans and continue to build on his momentum. "You guys will see him this June," Payton promised. "Yes, he's been impressive."

For Broncos fans and sports enthusiasts alike, Lohner's rise is a reminder that development takes time—and sometimes, the biggest surprises come from the most unexpected players. Whether you're gearing up for game day or just love a good underdog story, keep an eye on this tight end as he aims to make his mark.