Sean Payton Makes Bold Claims About Broncos’ Draft Class Members

Sean Payton Compares 7th-Round Pick to 5-Time Pro Bowler

If anyone is qualified to compare Bryant to Thomas, it is Payton. He coached the latter from a rookie to a six-year veteran. Payton was not finished with the comps, either, name-dropping former Saints star Jimmy Graham to describe Lohner, a seventh-round pick.

Loehner is a former basketball player who has just one year of limited football experience under his belt. He is also 6-foot-7, leading Payton to evoke the five-time Pro Bowler’s name.

The Broncos coach noted that projection is a big factor at that stage of the draft.

“I think going back with Jimmy Graham, I think he had 14, 15 catches. Both of them had a season. Both of them were very good basketball players. And now in Jimmy’s case, there was a lot more. He was a combine invite. And with Caleb, like we were talking about earlier, we’re late in this draft. And yet, you’re rooting for some guys, and you see upside,” Payton told reporters on April 26. “You can see the basketball skill set; that’s easy, at a high level. And then, you’re looking at a small amount of playing time. And yet, enough to where you’re watching him.”

“There’s a lot to work with. And if it turns out like the last one did, then we’d be real excited.”

The Broncos using a draft pick on him despite his limited experience speaks to their confidence in Lohner’s potential.

Converted QB Completes Dynamic Trio in Broncos’ Draft Class

The Broncos selected three players on the offensive side of the ball during the draft, taking Bryant and Lohner after UCF running back RJ Harvey in the second round.

Harvey is a 5-foot-8 converted QB who is also a threat in the passing game as a receiver.