Colston Loveland starred in football and basketball at his Idaho high school. He played linebacker and tight end while catching 35 touchdowns there. He was a four star recruit that ranked in the top 250 players in the country and was considered the No. 1 player in Idaho as a senior when he won the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year.
Loveland fielded offers from multiple colleges, including Michigan, Alabama, LSU and Auburn. He opted for the Wolverines and became a starter as a freshman. As a sophomore, he was an integral part of the passing attack for Michigan during their National Championship run. He was their leading receiver in that final game.
His junior season saw him considered the premier tight end in the college ranks to start the year and expected to be an eventual first-round NFL pick. He turned in another fine season, slightly less productive from missing one game and the Wolverines descent from the Championship season to only 8-5. He was a finalist for the John Mackey Award as the best tight end and declared for the NFL draft instead of returning for his senior season.
Height: 6-6
Weight: 248 pounds
40 time: 4.7 seconds (unofficial)
Loveland declined to run a 40-yard dash like the other top tight ends at the NFL Combine, but he runs around a 4.7 40-time – not blazing but plenty fast for a 6-6 tight end who was the tallest at his position. He did not work out at the Michigan Pro Day on March 21 due to offseason shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for training camp this summer.
Player stats (2022-24)
Pros
- Supremely athletic for his size
- Deceptively quick receiver that gains separation
- Tremendous hands couple with a huge catch radius to present a big and capable target for any quarterback
- Prior basketball experience helps him come down with contested catches
- Can line up as in-line, slot or an outside receiver
- Aggressive runner that tacks on yards after catch
Cons
- Needs more bulk and refinement for run blocking
- Pass protection skills are still developing
- Needs to focus on strength and technique to avoid getting controlled by NFL defenders
- Won’t turn 21 until after the draft
Fantasy Outlook
Loveland is considered one of the top three tight ends in this draft, and most likely goes in the first round or early second for a team looking to add receiving help. He has all the components of an elite tight in physical measurables and has proven successful on the field despite playing on Michigan’s moderate passing attack.
The expectations are very high for Loveland, who will be a receiver first and blocker second. It would be no surprise for him to end up as a Top-10 fantasy tight end if only in a year or two. Where he lands will have an impact like any player, but in the right situation, he could offer fantasy startability even as a rookie.
Loveland still needs further development but he’s a tight-end prospect that will be much coveted by NFL teams and will be expensive enough in the draft that his new team will have every intention of getting him onto the field and contributing as quickly as they can. He’s a strong consideration for the Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos.
