Michigan tight end Colston Loveland has been a victim of groupthink throughout the 2025 NFL Draft process. Loveland, the No. 6 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network 100 update, has been on the league’s radar for multiple seasons.
A lackluster passing attack at Michigan this past season prevented Loveland from displaying the full range of his capabilities. Instead of taking a step forward from 2023, Loveland produced fewer receiving yards and averaged four fewer yards per catch. It has complicated his pre-draft evaluation for many.
Loveland did not test at Michigan's Pro Day or the NFL Combine, adding another layer of mystery to his scouting report. On film, Loveland is a skilled prospect who defeats coverage with athleticism and yards-after-catch ability—his size and skill set project to an alignment-versatile role, including being used as an in-line blocker.
We've identified three potential fits for Loveland in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are going to hold a quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones this summer. They did not foresee themselves in this position when they drafted Richardson No. 4 overall. Recurring injuries, inconsistent play, and questionable leadership qualities have forced them to consider an alternate veteran option. Whoever wins the Colts' uninspiring QB battle would appreciate having a reliable safety net at tight end.
Loveland thrives underneath the coverage while creating explosives for himself after the catch. The Colts are well-stocked at wide receiver with Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Adonai Mitchell, but they lack that quality at tight end after parting with Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson this offseason. Loveland would immediately improve the quarterback play in Indianapolis.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers lacked depth at the pass-catching positions throughout 2024. Their most-snapped tight end was Will Dissly. The overall make-up prevented them from maximizing Justin Herbert's true abilities. As a result, they attempted the fifth-fewest passes in the league. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman has always been a run-heavy play caller, but he should expand his playbook in 2025 given who his quarterback is.
The Chargers still have Dissly at tight end, and they added Tyler Conklin in free agency. Neither player should prevent Jim Harbaugh from having interest in drafting Loveland at No. 22 overall. There’s a young nucleus at wide receiver with Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, and veteran Mike Williams is reuniting with the team. Loveland would be a flex weapon in Roman’s offense, both as a pass-catcher and run blocker.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos' offseason is all about surrounding franchise quarterback Bo Nix with more talent. Nix flashed legitimate promise as a rookie, helping the Broncos exceed expectations by qualifying for the postseason. It's all about showing growth as a sophomore now.
Sean Payton added veteran tight end Evan Engram to his offense this offseason, but he is a short-term solution at the position. At receiver, Courtland Sutton isn't getting younger and the Broncos will require a high-volume pass catcher to replace him at some point. Loveland and Nix would form an effective duo for years to come.
