In a recent Fox Sports mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts are projected to select tight end young prospect from Michigan with the 18th overall pick, which may come as a surprise. Although the Colts currently hold the 14th overall pick, Fox Sports anticipates they will trade back, assuming tight end Tyler Warren is taken early. This trade would likely position him as a target within the first 30 picks.
He is an intriguing option for the Colts and has appeared in several mock drafts as their potential first-round selection. While he may not have the same level of talent as Warren, he is still highly regarded. The Colts are in need of a reliable tight end, especially with quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson (or Daniel Jones) struggling in the passing game. A dependable target in the middle or slot could provide much-needed stability, and Loveland could fill that role if the Colts choose him.
The Colts Should Draft Colston Loveland
His Career In College & Combine
Colston Loveland is a standout tight end for the Michigan Wolverines. Unfortunately, his draft stock was affected by an injury in 2024, but he remains a skilled playmaker who will be a top talent for whichever team selects him in 2025. His best season came in 2023 when he totaled 649 yards and averaged 14.4 yards per reception. Despite dealing with injuries in 2024, he still managed to record 56 receptions and five touchdowns. Loveland has the physical traits to be an NFL-caliber tight end, standing at 6-6 and weighing 248 pounds, which would make him the Colts’ largest tight end after Jelani Woods, if selected. Loveland is also expected to start in his rookie year and is ranked second among tight ends for combine performances.
As mentioned, the Colts would likely target Loveland if Tyler Warren is off the board by pick 14. There is no scenario in which the Colts would choose Loveland over Warren, as Warren is considered the better talent. While Loveland is still a strong prospect, Warren is viewed as a generational talent that any team would be eager to add to their roster. However, with Warren expected to be selected within the first 10 picks, Loveland would be the next best option.
His Impact on the Colts Offense
Loveland would make an immediate impact on the Colts’ offense for one main reason: their tight-end group is currently among the worst in the league. Any improvement, even from an unproven rookie, would be a step forward. To put it in perspective, the Colts’ top tight end, Kylen Granson, only managed 182 yards and no touchdowns. As a unit, their tight ends totaled just 467 receiving yards and two touchdowns—numbers that typically come from a single player. It took four different tight ends to produce such meager statistics, so adding someone with any level of talent would be a significant upgrade.
Additionally, Loveland would provide much-needed support for the Colts’ quarterback. It’s well-known that every great quarterback has had a reliable tight end. While they may not always be 1,000-yard receivers, they are crucial in clutch situations and making key plays. The Colts currently lack such a player, which is particularly important for their young and inexperienced quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Bringing in a solid tight end like Loveland would be a major step toward improving the offense and setting the franchise up for future success. The Colts have an opportunity to secure a game-changing player in this year’s draft.
