One prospect who may interest the Denver Broncos in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft is Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. He is a 6’6”, 248-pound tight end who is a top tight end in the draft and considered a lock to be a first-round pick in the draft. The Athletic’s lead draft analyst Dane Brugler has Loveland graded as his 11th overall player in the draft and has him graded as the second best tight end in the draft, one spot behind Penn State tight end, Tyler Warren.
He played three seasons at Michigan and was one of the Wolverine's top pass-catching weapons during his time there. During his three-year career, he played in 39 games and totaled 117 receptions for 1,466 yards, and 11 touchdown receptions. This past year, Loveland played in 10 games and totaled 56 receptions for 582 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
WR stuff from "TE" Colston Loveland
Jab on his release creates inside leverage. Forearm shove at the top of the route generates four yards of separation.
Abrupt turn upfield, drive through contact, touchdown pic.twitter.com/PdRpR2rYEK
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) February 21, 2025
Player Profile
Colston Loveland | Tight End | Michigan
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 248 pounds
Hands: 10 inches
Arm Length: 32 3⁄4 inches
Age: 21 years old
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths
Big, long, and athletic build
Large catch radius
Impressive ball skills and body control
Very athletic tight end with a quick release
Lined up all over the field and has an expansive route tree
Potential to be an elite pass-catching weapon at tight end
Able to create after the catch
Attacks the ball in the air and is a reliable pass-catcher
High points the ball and makes catches over defenders
Good at finding the holes in zone coverage
Can play in-line on occasion
Weaknesses
Underwent surgery on his shoulder and will not workout before the draft but should be fully cleared by Training Camp
Missed time last season due to injury
Lean build and lacks bulk to consistently handle in-line duties
What other analysts are saying about Michigan tight end Colston Loveland
NFL Network’s lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah on TE Colston Loveland
Loveland is a long, lean tight end with outstanding awareness, quickness and big-play ability. He has aligned in-line, as a wing and in the slot. He’s urgent in his release. He has a tremendous feel for option routes and working in space. He can cleanly get in/out of breaks and he presents a big target to the quarterback. He attacks the ball in the air and is adept at finishing in crowds. After the catch, he has a smooth stride and possesses a nasty stiff-arm. He has some wiggle to make defenders miss, as well. His lack of bulk impacts his ability to stay connected as a run blocker, though. Overall, Loveland is equipped to make a lot of catches as a starting tight end in his rookie campaign.
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on TE Colston Loveland
Talented young tight end with the athletic ability and ball skills to become an elite talent as a pass catcher. Colston plays the game like a big wideout, capable of separating from man coverage and making plays on all three levels. He has good play speed and runs a route tree full of branches, allowing creative play-callers to move him around as a mismatch option. His routes can be a little hurried and lacking in detail but that should change with coaching. He’s graceful in-air and catches the ball with good timing and strong hands. He will keep filling out his frame but is unlikely to ever become more than average as a blocker. Colston’s collection of athletic traits and catch talent creates a high ceiling with the opportunity to become a high-volume target and future Pro Bowler.
Final Thoughts
Loveland checks all the boxes to be a ‘Joker’ for Sean Payton but could be off the board by the time the Broncos are on the clock. Despite him currently rehabbing a shoulder injury, Loveland is expected to be a highly sought-after player in the draft. He is one of the top offensive players in the entire draft and could be a top-15 selection in the draft.
Now, if Loveland is available at 20th overall, do the Broncos still make the selection? They did sign veteran Evan Engram in free agency but he is also recovering from shoulder surgery as well. He would give the Broncos some depth and insurance behind him while also setting themselves up in the future. Plus, Sean Payton would be able to scheme up ways to utilize both in the passing game.
The question is, would the Broncos still use a first-round pick on a tight end after signing Engram? That signing opens up multiple scenarios for them including upgrading the running back room or adding another defensive lineman. The Chargers who select two spots behind the Broncos would be very interested in Loveland so passing on him would likely have him landing with his former college coach Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles.
I personally believe Loveland will be selected well before the Broncos are on the clock, but if he slips, things do get interesting. I think signing Engram removes them from the first-round tight-end conversation and they’ll address the position with a mid-round pick.
Poll
Should the Broncos draft Michigan TE Colston Loveland?
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