FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland (TE – Michigan)
6-foot-5 | 245 Pounds
Background
A four-star recruit who rotated into the offense to the tune of 16-235-2 as a freshman before taking over the starting tight end job the following year. Colston Loveland posted a 45-649-4 receiving line during the Wolverines’ National Championship run. Was limited to 10 games this year, during which he recorded a receiving line of 56-582-5.
Positives
A productive two-year starter and three-year contributor for one of college football’s premier programs. Sturdily-built tight end with good functional strength for his size. Takes snaps all over; predominantly out of a slot/wide alignment, but does put snaps on tape as more of an H-back or in-line tight end. Blocks with toughness and physicality. Can climb to the second level or otherwise engage opponents in space, with a good effort to stick with his man through the whistle.
Loveland has good power in his hands to jolt opponents on contact. Shows good leg drive to generate movement when working against opponents at the second level. Understands positioning and knows how to wall off defenders in space. Fires out of his stance with explosiveness and has the speed to threaten defenses down the seams or on flag routes.
Michigan asked him to run a lot of patterns to different levels of the field. His contact balance to stay on course through his route is impressive, with a chippy, tough temperament. Does a good job of sinking his hips into the route stem and putting enough window-dressing on his patterns to create separation/windows for underneath throws.
Not necessarily elite in terms of his overall flexibility, but shows very good coordination and body control to adjust, presenting a big target. Can go low and scoop throws off the ground or pirouette and catch back-shoulder targets. Loveland was much more reliable this year, reducing his drops from five to two despite catching more passes overall. Tough, competitive player after the catch.
Negatives
Could be asked to add a bit of additional bulk. Does take snaps as more of an in-line tight end, but will likely have to adapt to playing there more regularly and mixing things up with bigger defenders at the next level; Michigan tended to use a couple of other in-line options more often.
Loveland was rarely retained in pass protection — just 30 career snaps, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Had some issues with drops before this season (seven compared to 61 catches as a freshman and sophomore.) Only caught 10 out of 25 contested catches over the past two years. Not the most elusive player in space; more of a no-nonsense type who gets upfield.
Summary
A very solid overall tight end who has the type of polish you’d expect given his pedigree. Loveland lined up split out wide or in the slot very often during the games reviewed, showing impressive speed, route-running skills and body control. Provided the Wolverines with a reliable target who could create mismatches against different types of defenders.
Despite not being a primary inline blocker for the team, he is also a physical, aggressive and tough blocker with good effort, sound fundamentals and impressive functional strength. A do-it-all type who looks likely to be a first-round pick at this point, although Lovelans is not quite the physical/athletic freak that typically goes in the first round at his position.
Projection: Round 1/Round 2
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