Only a month remains until the NFL Draft, and with it, a make or break year for Colts’ Anthony Richardson and a critical year in the coaching career of Shane Steichen. With many Colts fans being critical of last season’s management decisions, and a chance to start fresh on the defensive side of the ball, there’s a lot of interesting decisions to be made by the Colts.
This week, a popular pick being mocked to the Colts has been Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, a pick that has been gaining a lot of popularity as Penn State tight end Tyler Warren’s draft stock has increased. Is this the right pick? Let’s find out.
Pick 14 – Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
According to NFLDraftBuzz, Loveland ranks only slightly below TE Tyler Warren in terms of average prospect grade. Tyler Warren has begun to sneak up the ranks in draft capital, reaching top 10 status in some most recent mock drafts such as this one from Fox Sports’ David Helman. However, other analysts have Loveland over Warren, like CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards. So what is it that sets Loveland apart, when the clear consensus has been Warren to the Colts for months.
Loveland led the Michigan with single-season TE school-record 56 receptions, with 582 receiving yards and 5 receiving TDs. He also accounted for 42% of Michigan’s total receiving yards this year, and was by far the biggest target through the air (second place had 23 receptions). This record breaking reception total came from his above-average route running abilities and impressive hands. Analysts also praise his ability to stretch the field despite weighing in at 6’6, 248 pounds, taller and heavier than Warren.
On the topic of measurable statistics, Loveland is also far younger than Tyler Warren, and is the youngest TE prospect the Colts have eyed in three years. Loveland would not only be a great pair for Richardson, but a great piece in the offense to build around if he lives up to his status.
Loveland – Strengths, Weaknesses
Aside from the measurables, where does Loveland excel, and where could we see him struggle?
We mentioned his route running abilities and his ability to stretch the field, where we could see him play a similar role to the Packers’ Tucker Kraft. NFL.com states,
“Colston plays the game like a big wideout, capable of separating from man coverage and making plays on all three levels…He’s graceful in-air and catches the ball with good timing and strong hands.”
Analysts also praise his ability to work in play-action schemes, specifically noting his role as a seam threat. Michigan used him a lot in the intermediate areas of the field, with his average reception being 10.4 yards. This also speaks for his YAC ability, his size and impressive change of direction makes it so he can make plays.
As for his cons, analysts say he is far from a traditional blocker. Despite his size, he doesn’t fill out his entire frame, making him more of an oversized receiver than a blocking TE. His footwork also leaves some to be desired, making him likely not able to win many matchups in the area of the field he excelled at in college.
Colston Loveland – Conclusion
Overall, Loveland is an impressive tight end prospect that could fit in well with an offense that runs a lot of play action and has a young QB with a need for some reliability as a pass catcher. This would be a perfect fit for somewhere like the Colts, but there is also possibility for him to fall somewhere like Denver. At the end of the day, when it comes to the Colts, either prospect Loveland or Warren would work wonderfully in the Colts’ offense and could make an immediate impact.
