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As has often been the case as of late, in Eric Edholm's latest 2025 NFL mock draft for NFL.com, the Indianapolis Colts couldn't pass up on adding Colston Loveland's pass-catching presence to the tight end position.
"The Colts really need a receiving upgrade at tight end. Loveland provides that, even if he won't be cleared for contact until July following shoulder surgery," wrote Edholm. "Despite playing through the injury for most of last season, Loveland was targeted more than twice as often as any other pass catcher in a limited Michigan passing game."
The further we get into the pre-draft process, the more mock drafts have Tyler Warren going in the top 10, which has made Loveland an even more popular pick for the Colts.
On paper, the selection makes all the sense in the world. The Colts have gotten relatively little passing game production from the tight position for several seasons now, and Loveland is the best pure pass catching prospect in this draft.
Beyond his production and being featured heavily in Michigan's offense, he can line up in the slot and out wide and attack all three levels of the field.
However, when it comes to the Colts' offense under Shane Steichen, while a greater pass-catching threat at tight end is a must, not to be overlooked is the importance of that position helping out in the run game.
In addition to that, every time Loveland is in the slot or out wide, that means one of Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, or Michael Pittman has to come off the field. According to PFF's metrics, Loveland lined up in-line on only 32% of his snaps last season.
If the Colts don't address tight end in Round 1, the good news for them is that this year's tight end class is quite deep. The Athletic's Dane Brugler mentioned that there are 5-6 starting-caliber tight ends in this draft.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL draft: Colts can't pass on Colston Loveland in latest mock draft
Continue reading...
"The Colts really need a receiving upgrade at tight end. Loveland provides that, even if he won't be cleared for contact until July following shoulder surgery," wrote Edholm. "Despite playing through the injury for most of last season, Loveland was targeted more than twice as often as any other pass catcher in a limited Michigan passing game."
The further we get into the pre-draft process, the more mock drafts have Tyler Warren going in the top 10, which has made Loveland an even more popular pick for the Colts.
On paper, the selection makes all the sense in the world. The Colts have gotten relatively little passing game production from the tight position for several seasons now, and Loveland is the best pure pass catching prospect in this draft.
Beyond his production and being featured heavily in Michigan's offense, he can line up in the slot and out wide and attack all three levels of the field.
However, when it comes to the Colts' offense under Shane Steichen, while a greater pass-catching threat at tight end is a must, not to be overlooked is the importance of that position helping out in the run game.
In addition to that, every time Loveland is in the slot or out wide, that means one of Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, or Michael Pittman has to come off the field. According to PFF's metrics, Loveland lined up in-line on only 32% of his snaps last season.
If the Colts don't address tight end in Round 1, the good news for them is that this year's tight end class is quite deep. The Athletic's Dane Brugler mentioned that there are 5-6 starting-caliber tight ends in this draft.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL draft: Colts can't pass on Colston Loveland in latest mock draft
Continue reading...
