The Denver Broncos selected seven players in the 2025 draft, many after the team made multiple trades during the event. Two players in particular – wide receiver Pat Bryant and tight end Caleb Lohner – drew high praise from Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
Bryant, a receiver out of Illinois, was selected on Day 2 with the 10th pick in the third round of the draft.
Payton compared him to former New Orleans Saints star Michael Thomas, whom he coached.
“There were so many things about his game that reminded me of Mike Thomas, and with respect to Mike, who became – holy cow. You don’t ever want to put pressure on a rookie like that; we’re just talking about traits. But really explosive off line of scrimmage, very competitive, very tough,” Payton told reporters on April 25. “His size and his hands are outstanding.
“Obviously, he’s physical. And so – but the player comp for me, it reminded me, forget the jersey number [both players wear/wore No. 13], just of a lot of traits that Mike had, especially at the line of scrimmage.”
Payton also said that Broncos secondary coach Jim Leonhard provided insight on Bryant, having worked with the wideout while the latter two were at Illinois together.
