In a recent Fox Sports mock draft, the Colts are projected to select a tight end in the first round in a way that might not be expected. They are projected to select Michigan tight end, Colston Loveland with the 18th overall pick. Heading into the draft, the Colts have the 14th overall pick. However, Fox Sports predicts they will trade back the pick, assuming that tight end, Tyler Warren is taken early. This would, in turn, leave Loveland as a likely target within those first 30 picks.
Loveland is an intriguing tight end for the Colts, and he is popping up on several mock drafts as their first-round selection. Although he does not possess the same talent as Tyler Warren, Loveland is still a top-rated player. The Colts are in desperate need of a tight end. With Anthony Richardson (or Daniel Jones) struggling to produce in the passing game, having a security blanket over the middle and in the slot will be huge. Colston Loveland can provide that stability on the Colts roster should they, indeed, select him.
His Career In College & Combine
Colston Loveland is a top tight end for the Michigan Wolverines. Unfortunately, his draft stock took a hit as he was injured in 2024. Despite that, though, he is a very good playmaker who will be a top talent on whatever team he lands on in 2025. His sophomore year in 2023 was his best season as he accumulated 649 yards and a 14.4 yards per reception average. In 2024, despite injuries, he finished with 56 receptions and five touchdowns. Loveland fits the mold for being an NFL-caliber tight end. He is listed at 6-6, 248 lbs which would be the Colts largest tight end behind Jelani Woods if selected. Loveland is also projected to be a year-one starter and is ranked second overall amongst tight ends in combine performances.
As mentioned, the Colts would be selecting Loveland if Tyler Warren is off the board before pick 14. There is not a situation in which the Colts would or should choose Loveland over Warren as Warren is the better talent. While Loveland is still great, Warren is a generational talent. He is also one that any team would want on their roster. However, with the likely possibility that Warren will be picked within the first 10 picks, Loveland would be the next best option.
His Impact on the Colts Offense
Loveland would immediately impact the Colts offense for one big reason. The Colts have one of the worst tight-end units in football right now. This means that any additional help would be an upgrade, even if it’s an unproven rookie. Let’s face it, the Colts leading tight end was Kylen Granson, who finished with 182 yards and zero touchdowns. As a whole, the unit accumulated 467 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Typically, numbers like these are produced by just one player. However, it took the Colts four different guys to accumulate this little. Therefore, anyone with a semblance of talent would be an asset to the tight-end room.
Lastly, Loveland would also serve as much-needed security for the Colts quarterback. It is a proven fact that every great quarterback has or had a reliable tight end. They didn’t always have to be a 1,000-yard guy, but they were at least someone who could, in the trenches, produce in big ways. The Colts do not currently have that and they need that with their young and inexperienced quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Finally getting a solid tight end on this offense will be huge for the success of the franchise moving forward. The Colts will have the chance to acquire a playmaker of this caliber in this year’s draft.
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