Former USC star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is carving into a bona fide star in the NFL. The Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, however, needs outside help ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. One mock draft addresses that need through an intriguing, towering downfield target.
The multiple 1,000-yard wideout Pittman and the Colts grab one of the league's top downfield threats in Garrett Podell's latest mock on CBS Sports: Colston Loveland of Michigan.
Loveland enters the draft garnering buzz as the league's next potential game-changing tight end. Poddell writes inserting Loveland becomes a "real difference" for the Colts offense -- especially for Pittman's quarterback Anthony Richardson or newcomer Daniel Jones.
"The Colts need a tight end who can make a real difference in the passing game for Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones in 2025. The franchise hasn't really had a true pass game weapon at the tight end spot since Jack Doyle retired," Poddell wrote.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound TE played a pivotal part in Michigan's attack -- with Poddell revealing nearly 35% of the Wolverines' aerial assault involved Loveland.
"Colston Loveland accounted for 34.7% of Michigan's team receiving yards last season, the highest among Power 4 tight ends. He can be that guy for Indianapolis," Poddell said.
He'd emerge as massive help for Pittman too. The 6-foot-4, 223-pound target saw his 2024 production decline to 69 catches, 808 yards and three touchdowns. However, Indy has seen Pittman at his masterful best -- a la his 2023 season that saw 109 receptions for 1,152 yards with four touchdowns.
Pittman is entering his sixth season in Indy. He's best known among Trojan fans for delivering 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. Pittman caught 171 career catches in his four seasons with the Trojans.
Related: Top CFB Transfer Reportedly Interested in Big Ten Powerhouse
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 1:59 PM.