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From UDFA To Active Roster: Caden Prieskorn's Unconventional Path To The Denver Broncos And His 2025 Draft Story

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The story of Caden Prieskorn's entry into the National Football League is a testament to perseverance, a narrative far more compelling than a typical first-round selection. As of this current date, December 23, 2025, the former Ole Miss tight end has navigated the treacherous waters of the post-draft landscape, experiencing the highs of signing with a team and the lows of being waived, only to ultimately secure a coveted spot on an active NFL roster. His journey from a late-round draft prospect to an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) and now a member of the Denver Broncos is the freshest and most crucial update for fans and scouts alike.

The 2025 NFL Draft was a moment of uncertainty for Prieskorn, who was projected as a potential late-round pick due to his high floor as a blocker and reliable receiving hands. Despite the disappointment of going undrafted, his professional career quickly began, setting the stage for a dramatic first year that saw him bounce between multiple organizations before finding a solid footing in the AFC West.

Caden Prieskorn: Full Biography, College Stats, and Measurables

Caden Reed Prieskorn is a professional American football tight end whose journey from a high school quarterback to a versatile college tight end has defined his draft profile and subsequent NFL career. His experience and physical profile made him a compelling, albeit raw, prospect for the 2025 class.

  • Full Name: Caden Reed Prieskorn
  • Date of Birth: September 21, 1999
  • Hometown: Lake Orion, Michigan
  • High School: Lake Orion High School
  • Position: Tight End (TE)
  • Height: 6'5" - 6'6"
  • Weight: 255 lbs
  • 40-Yard Dash (Reported): 4.78 seconds
  • College Career: Memphis Tigers (2019-2022), Ole Miss Rebels (2023-2024 season)
  • Key Honors: First-team All-AAC (Memphis), East-West Shrine Bowl Invitee (2025)
  • Total College Stats: 112 receptions, 1,531 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns (across Memphis and Ole Miss)
  • 2024 Season (Ole Miss): 401 receiving yards, 3 touchdowns
  • NFL Entry: Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) in the 2025 NFL Draft

Prieskorn initially walked on at the University of Memphis, transitioning from a high school quarterback to a tight end. His breakout season came in 2022 with the Tigers, earning him first-team All-AAC honors and solidifying his reputation as a reliable player. He then transferred to Ole Miss, where he played his final collegiate season in 2024, continuing to develop his run-blocking and receiving abilities under the Rebels' offense.

The 2025 NFL Draft Profile: Why Prieskorn Was a High-Floor, Low-Ceiling Prospect

Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Caden Prieskorn was a polarizing figure in scouting circles. His profile was defined by a strong foundation of traditional tight end skills, but questions lingered about his ceiling at the professional level. He was widely projected as a late-round pick, typically falling in the 6th or 7th round, and was ranked as the 16th tight end prospect by some major scouting organizations.

Scouting Strengths: Blocking Prowess and Reliability

Scouting reports consistently praised Prieskorn's size and run-blocking ability. At 6'5" and 255 pounds, he possesses the ideal build to function as an in-line blocker, a skill that is increasingly valued in the modern, run-heavy NFL offenses.

He was often described as a "zone-beating tight end," capable of finding soft spots against zone coverage and securing contested catches. His hands are considered reliable, and his experience playing in both the AAC (Memphis) and the highly competitive SEC (Ole Miss Rebels) demonstrated his ability to perform against top-tier talent. Furthermore, his invitation to the prestigious 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl confirmed his status as a legitimate professional prospect.

The Undrafted Red Flags: Age and Dynamic Athleticism

The primary reasons Prieskorn slipped out of the draft were related to his age and a perceived lack of elite, dynamic athleticism. Being one of the oldest prospects in the 2025 class—turning 26 during his rookie season—raised concerns about his long-term developmental upside.

While his 40-yard dash time of 4.78 seconds is respectable, it does not place him in the category of the "move tight ends" or "receiving specialists" that have become popular early-round picks. Scouts noted his limited burst and separation ability, suggesting he might struggle to consistently beat man coverage at the NFL level, which cemented his status as a late-round value rather than a mid-round lock.

The UDFA Gauntlet: Detroit, Cleveland, and the Call from Denver

The true story of Caden Prieskorn's rookie year began not with a draft selection, but with a phone call immediately following the final pick. After the 2025 NFL Draft concluded, Prieskorn quickly signed a contract with his home-state team, the Detroit Lions, as an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA). This initial signing was a positive development, giving him an immediate opportunity at an NFL training camp.

The Waiver Wire and the Cleveland Browns Practice Squad

However, the UDFA path is famously difficult, and Prieskorn's tenure with the Lions was short-lived. He was subsequently waived by Detroit to make room for another tight end, Luke Deal, highlighting the brutal roster competition in the NFL.

Prieskorn’s scouting profile and college tape were strong enough to keep him on the radar of other teams. He was quickly signed by the Cleveland Browns and initially placed on their practice squad in October 2025. The move to the Browns' practice squad provided a crucial lifeline, allowing him to continue practicing with an NFL team, learning the professional system, and staying ready for an opportunity.

Securing the Active Roster Spot with the Denver Broncos

The most recent and significant update on Prieskorn’s status demonstrates the value of his high-floor skill set. The Denver Broncos, facing injuries or seeking depth at the tight end position, recognized his potential. In a decisive move, the Broncos signed Caden Prieskorn from the Browns’ practice squad to their active 53-man roster in December 2025.

This active roster signing is a monumental achievement for any UDFA. It signifies that Prieskorn has officially transitioned from a fringe prospect to a contributing member of an NFL team. His reliability as a blocker and his experience as a receiver provide the Broncos with a versatile, two-way tight end who can contribute immediately, validating the initial late-round draft interest and rewriting the narrative of his draft day disappointment.

From UDFA to Active Roster: Caden Prieskorn's Unconventional Path to the Denver Broncos and His 2025 Draft Story
caden prieskorn draft
caden prieskorn draft

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