LOCALS IN THE NFL

Former Ute Caleb Lohner Has Impressed In First Looks With Broncos

May 17, 2025, 5:04 PM

Utah Football Caleb Lohner Broncos rookie mini camp...

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 29: Caleb Lohner #84 and Landen King #82 of the Utah Utes celebrate after a two point conversion in the second half of a game against the UCF Knights at FBC Mortgage Stadium on November 29, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah tight end Caleb Lohner has turned some heads in the Mile High City at the Denver Broncos’ rookie mini-camp.

When asked about the former Ute and Cougar, head coach Sean Payton had some high praise for the hoops star turned tight end.

“When you watch him, people bring up Jimmy (Graham),” Payton said. “There were some similarities in that he only played a year, 80-something snaps, I think he had 18 catches. We’ve got to coach and develop. There are traits there that excite me.”

The similarities between Jimmy Graham and Lohner are kind of striking. Both played only basketball for their first three years of college, used as a large red zone threat in their senior seasons, and were eventually picked after the first day of the NFL Draft.

Now, Graham was more athletically gifted than Lohner is, but Payton smacked the nail on the head. With some development and coaching, he could turn into a real impact player at the next level.

Training camp begins in mid-July, Denver opens its preseason against the New Orleans Saints on August 23, and then the Broncos will play the Tennessee Titans in week one on September 7.

About Caleb Lohner

Lohner was born in Flower Mound, Texas, and attended Wasatch Academy, where he was a standout basketball player.

He began his college career at BYU, where he played forward and averaged approximately seven points and seven rebounds per game.

He transferred to Baylor for his junior campaign, where he played in all 35 games. After limited opportunity with the Bears, Lohner came back to Utah, this time with the Utes.

He played football and basketball for the University of Utah last year. In 12 games with Utah Football, he had four receptions for 54 yards and four touchdowns.

Standing at 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, Lohner will be a red zone threat for any team at any level.

About #LocalsInTheNFL

For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.

Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.

From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

Take us with you, wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio, video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

Locals In the NFL

Devaughn Vele and many former Utes in the NFL shined in Week 1....

Steve Bartle

Locals in the NFL: Kincaid, Lloyd, Vele headline strong Week 1 for former Utes

Many former Utes in the NFL shined in Week 1 action, including Dalton Kincaid, Devin Lloyd, and Devaughn Vele.

2 days ago

BYU's Khyiris Tonga warms up before a game with the University of South Florida in Tampa....

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: How former BYU NT Khyiris Tonga led to Chiefs RB’s career game on Monday Night Football

Khyiris Tonga had a tackle on defense, and powered two touchdown drives at fullback in Kansas City's 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos to wrap up the first week of the 2026 regular season.

3 days ago

Jaxson Dart Locals In The NFL fan...

Sean Walker

Locals in the NFL: Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo lead Giants to season-opening win — with Dart’s Corner Canyon jersey in tow

Dart, the former Roy High and Corner Canyon quarterback, threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns, and Skattebo added a game-high 81 yards and a rushing touchdown as the Giants won their season opener, 28-20 Sunday night over the Dallas Cowboys.

4 days ago

FILE PHOTO: Jun 3, 2026; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) part...

Sean Walker

Here are 5 Locals in the NFL to target for your fantasy team as season kicks off

Here are five players that any fan of Utah's Locals in the NFL should keep an eye on, whether in drafting, trading or for a shrewd waiver-wire pickup.

8 days ago

Kyle Van Noy at BYU vs. Utah Holy War...

Sean Walker

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy signs with Vikings, AP source says

The Vikings have agreed to terms to sign 13-year NFL pro Kyle Van Noy, the Associated Press confirmed Tuesday night. The deal was first reported by Netflix's Tom Pelissero.

16 days ago

Tyler Batty #92 of the Minnesota Vikings...

Brian Preece

Former Cougar Tyler Batty to miss 2026 season with torn ACL

Second-year Minnesota Vikings outside linebacker Tyler Batty will miss the 2026 NFL season after tearing his ACL, the team announced. Batty has been placed on injured reserve.

17 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Stacia Peoples & Gavin Lowe

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Rachel McBride & Lincoln Smith

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 13 – Janiece Sikander & Brody Thompson

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Salt Lake County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Evy Roberts & Krew Eckman

The Hercules Salt Lake County High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Salt Lake County.

Photos provided by family of featured athletes...

Northern Utah High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Fabiana Lopez, Madden Johnsen & Bracken Saunders

The John Watson Northern Utah High School Player of the Week is celebrating the best high school basketball players in Northern Utah.

Photos provided by featured athletes...

Utah County High School Basketball Players of the Week – Week 12 – Leah Bailey & Lucas Castagnetto

The Mr. Mac Utah County High School Player of the Week is awarded each week to the top prep boy's and girl's basketball players in Utah County.

Former Ute Caleb Lohner Has Impressed In First Looks With Broncos