Colston Loveland — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0

It would spice up the AFC West a bit if Sean Payton were to snipe Jim Harbaugh's former tight end at Michigan. Denver needs weapons, and Loveland could be a special one for Bo Nix.

Sean Payton gets a quality tight end for Bo Nix. New Orleans' offenses often had a receiving threat at the tight end position and now the Broncos do as well with Colston Loveland.

If the Bengals lose Tee Higgins in free agency, the addition of a big-bodied tight end with dynamic receiving skills could help Joe Burrow continue to flourish as a passer.

The Texans absolutely, desperately need offensive line help. But they have invested heavily already into the position and I think stronger coaching at that position will help them get better performances in the near future. I instead address the Texans' pass-catching group that looks more depleted after Tank Dell's gruesome injury and Stefon Diggs' upcoming free agency. Dalton Schultz is as solid as they come at tight end, but Loveland is even more dynamic as a pass catcher, with the ability to split out that could make for some fun synergy with star Nico Collins in a fun 1-2 punch for C.J. Stroud.

A perfect spot for Jim Harbaugh to scoop up one of his former Wolverines. Loveland somehow caught 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns this season, despite playing in the worst passing offense in power-conference football. A solid blocker, too, he would start immediately for the Chargers and give Justin Herbert a quality third-down threat.

Ladd McConkey exceeded expectations as a rookie, and it would make sense to get another weapon in the passing game for Justin Herbert. Loveland is a receiving mismatch due to his speed, athleticism and route running.

The Broncos are a team that experienced a major leap in 2024. Sean Payton's vision for this team is coming to life, but the arms race is no joke. The Raiders have added Pete Carroll to make this perhaps the most accomplished coaching division in all of football — so the players will need to do some heavy lifting as teams look to separate from one another. Denver's tight end room was nonexistent in the passing game; that can change with the addition of a pass-catching weapon at the position like Colston Loveland.

The Chargers need to give Justin Herbert more firepower. The coaching staff will be extremely familiar with what Loveland brings to the table.

How about a seam-stretching tight end for quarterback Justin Herbert? Loveland is a tough matchup for defenses -- he's 6-5, 245 pounds, and he has some speed. He had 56 catches, 582 yards and 5 TDs this season despite subpar play from Michigan's quarterback room. He played for Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, too, so there's a built-in connection.

L.A. has to also look at the receiver group. Four WRs are off the board already, which is why I opted for Loveland. It's just too big of a reach to Utah State's Jalen Royals, TCU's Savion Williams or Texas' Isaiah Bond. But if one of those guys rises over the next few months, that might be the priority.