Remember that Broncos rookie TE Caleb Lohner? Many thought his journey might be over, but Coach Payton just dropped some surprisingly positive news. It seems the young tight end is making significant strides despite a massive learning curve. What does this mean for his future with the Denver Broncos? You won’t believe how far he’s come!

The Denver Broncos organization is showing renewed optimism for rookie tight end Caleb Lohner, as head coach Sean Payton recently delivered an encouraging update on his ongoing development within the team’s system.

Lohner’s initial tenure with the Broncos faced considerable uncertainty, particularly leading up to the critical Tuesday deadline for roster cuts. Many observers believed the “experiment” of converting him into an NFL tight end might have concluded, as the team strategically exposed him to the waiver wire, a precarious move that could have seen him claimed by another franchise.

However, demonstrating the Broncos’ calculated confidence, Lohner passed through waivers unclaimed, a move the team likely anticipated. This outcome solidified his position on the practice squad, providing him with a vital opportunity to continue refining his skills and adapting to the rigorous demands of professional football under the direct tutelage of the Broncos’ coaching staff.

Head coach Sean Payton offered profound insight into Lohner’s journey, emphasizing the immense learning curve the young player is navigating. “There’s a large learning curve, and he’s getting it, and he’s getting better and he’s improving,” Payton stated, candidly adding, “You have to remember, he’s 2,847 snaps behind everyone else.” This highlights the significant experiential gap Lohner must bridge to compete effectively in the NFL.

Prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, Lohner’s potential as a red-zone threat captivated the Broncos’ offensive strategists, sparking visions of dynamic plays and advantageous matchups. Yet, his transition to the professional level proved challenging, with early struggles, particularly in mastering the intricate techniques of blocking, revealing just how in over his head he initially was.

Despite these early setbacks, including only a pair of catches during the preseason, Lohner’s performance in the latter stages of training camp was pivotal. His noticeable improvements over the final ten days were a significant factor in the team’s decision to bring him back onto the Denver Broncos practice squad, signaling a belief in his long-term potential.

Payton further elaborated on the composition of a typical practice squad, distinguishing between two primary types of players. There are the “developmental” prospects, a category Caleb Lohner unequivocally falls into, representing investments in future talent. The second type, known as the “Tidewater” variety, consists of players prepared to be elevated to the active roster for in-season contributions.

While Caleb Lohner undeniably faces a considerable path ahead to become a regular contributor on the Denver Broncos active roster, his demonstrated progress and the unwavering support from head coach Sean Payton provide a strong foundation for optimism. His continued presence on the practice squad is a testament to his potential and the team’s commitment to his player development.