Breaking News: Caleb Lohner Only Played 57 Snaps of Collegiate Football Before Being Picked by the Denver Broncos
In an unprecedented move, the Denver Broncos have signed Caleb Lohner, a player who only participated in 57 snaps of collegiate football before making the leap to the NFL. The 6-foot-8, 260-pound defensive end has quickly caught the attention of the NFL world with his selection, despite his limited collegiate experience.
Lohner’s brief but impactful college career has raised eyebrows around the league, particularly among teams that value extensive playing time in higher-tier conferences. But the Broncos saw something in Lohner that many other teams didn’t: raw, untapped potential with the right coaching and development.
A Surprising Path to the NFL
Lohner’s journey to the NFL is anything but conventional. While many athletes spend years at the college level, honing their skills and building their resume, Lohner’s collegiate career took an unexpected turn. Originally a highly-touted high school prospect, Lohner was drafted into a lesser-known program, where he played just 57 snaps in total, due to a combination of injuries and a limited role on his team’s defense. His playtime primarily occurred in garbage-time situations or rotational spots, making his limited exposure all the more curious.
Despite his lack of a traditional college football track record, Lohner’s physical tools have been impossible to ignore. His size, speed, and versatility were on full display during his pro-day workout, where scouts were able to see a glimpse of the raw athleticism that had been hidden for much of his college tenure.
“Caleb’s upside is unmatched,” Broncos’ General Manager George Paton said in a press release. “He has an incredible physical profile that you just can’t coach. We believe that with the right system and development, he can become a dominant force on the defensive line.”
Lohner’s Physical Attributes and Potential
At 6-foot-8 and weighing 260 pounds, Lohner is a physical anomaly that has the potential to become a nightmare for offensive lines. His size alone gives him the ability to disrupt passing lanes, clog running lanes, and overwhelm blockers with his sheer power. But it’s his quickness for his size that has scouts buzzing. Lohner’s 40-yard dash time of 4.75 seconds and his vertical leap of 34 inches indicate that he could be more than just a traditional edge rusher. His combination of size, speed, and agility allows him to play multiple defensive line positions, making him a versatile asset for the Broncos’ defense.
Lohner also demonstrated his ability to learn quickly, showing impressive maturity in his pre-draft interviews. Despite his limited college experience, he was able to discuss advanced football concepts with ease, impressing Broncos coaches and scouts with his football IQ.
Why the Broncos Took the Risk
The decision to select a player with so little college experience is not one the Broncos made lightly. In fact, it’s a calculated risk that reflects the team’s desire to find hidden gems in the draft, especially in a deep class of defensive prospects.
“Sometimes you need to look beyond the stats and the box scores,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton during a press conference. “With Caleb, we see a player who has the potential to develop into something special. The coaching staff is excited to work with him, and we feel that with the right development and some patience, he can be a future contributor for us.”
This move represents the Broncos’ confidence in their ability to develop raw talent. With the addition of Lohner, the team has a new project on their hands—one that could either pay off in a huge way or remain a bit of an unknown. Either way, the Broncos are betting that Lohner’s physical traits will eventually allow him to make an impact at the NFL level.
The Road Ahead
As for Lohner, he’s ready to prove that the Broncos’ faith in him is not misplaced. “I know I have a lot to prove, but I’m willing to put in the work,” he said in his first interview after being drafted. “I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m confident that I can become the player the Broncos believe I can be.”
The Broncos will have a crucial role in shaping Lohner’s career, and his progress will be closely watched throughout the 2025 season. With his rare combination of size, speed, and potential, Lohner is a player that might not make an immediate splash, but he’s one who could develop into a key player for the franchise down the line.
In the end, this move could be a game-changer for the Broncos—whether it takes a few months or a few years for Lohner to fully develop into a starting-caliber player. Only time will tell if the gamble will pay off.