The Los Angeles Rams released elite wide receiver Cooper Kupp this offseason after he spent eight seasons with the franchise.
To replace Kupp's production, the Rams brought in former New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders wideout Davante Adams. While Adams is a fine addition to the receiving core, the franchise's tight-end position has left much to be desired.
To remedy the inconsistent play at tight end, CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli had the Rams take Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Colby Parkinson was the Rams' leading receiver at tight end last season, with 294 receiving yards and one touchdown.
Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. © Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images © Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images
"Colston Loveland isn't a Cooper Kupp replacement, but he is a tight end who could do some of the things Kupp used to do for the Rams offense," Fornelli said.
Loveland is the No. 15 overall draft prospect and the top tight end in the CBS Sports 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings.
Tyler Higbee was supposed to be the team's starting tight end in 2024, but he could not play until Week 16 after tearing his ACL and MCL in the 2023 playoff loss to the Detroit Lions.
As a result, Higbee only played in three games last season for the Rams.
Loveland played for Michigan from 2022-24 and accounted for 1,466 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. However, it was revealed that Loveland played through a shoulder injury last season, but a doctor cleared him to participate in training camp.
The Rams reached the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 28-22.
The 2025 NFL Draft will be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.
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This story was originally published March 21, 2025 at 5:46 PM.