Colston Loveland (TE, Michigan) Film Study
An in-depth look at the potential TE1 in 2025.
The TE1 title for 2025 is up for grabs. But if he can take a step forward in 2025, it’s easy to see why Colston Loveland is projected to be the top player at his position in next year’s draft.
Loveland was a former 4-star recruit out of Idaho and considered one of the top tight ends in the country in the 2022 class. Schools like Alabama and LSU showed interest, but he decided to play for Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines.
The move worked out for Loveland. On top of winning a national championship, Loveland was named first-team All-Big Ten this past season. He racked up 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns.
Listed at 6’5” and 245 pounds, it’s easy to see why Loveland is a highly-coveted TE prospect almost immediately. He has very good length for the position, and his athletic ability allows him to play all over the field. He logged over 200 snaps as an in-line tight end as well as in the slot, while also recording 76 snaps split out wide.
The thing that immediately jumps out on tape is Loveland’s speed. That combination of speed, size, and length makes him such a mismatch when going against second-level defenders. Even when he’s running underneath routes, he has the separation speed to burn by linebackers who are forced to guard him in Man coverage.
That play speed is boosted by Loveland’s ability to explode off the snap. Because Michigan was willing to use him as an in-line blocker, it would set him up for success in the flat. His explosiveness and speed would allow him to create space against flat-footed defenders preparing for the run, particularly in short-yardage situations.
That athleticism is great, but you can only create so much separation off of athletic ability. Fortunately for Loveland, he’s also a surprisingly effective route runner, particularly on curl/comeback routes.
Because of his threat to push the field vertically, Loveland can sell all of his routes upfield before decelerating and gearing down. He does a nice job of doing that with quick feet while staying in control and not lunging too far forward.
Loveland is also able to use subtle moves to create separation. This can help when his quarterback is forced to go off script, showing some solid lateral movement and technique to fool defenders in coverage and create just enough separation to be an outlet.
As a legitimate separator, Loveland is able to consistently make plays downfield in the passing game. He finished fifth among eligible tight ends in the FBS with 2.38 yards per route run.
Somewhere where Loveland can improve is his ability after the catch. It’s not for a lack of athleticism, but rather physicality. His contact balance can be lacking at times, making it harder for him to avoid getting tripped up by weaker tackle attempts.
Still, he also flashes plays like this where he can make a defender whiff with that athletic ability.
The bigger question for Loveland is whether or not he can clean things up as a run blocker in the trenches. Although he has the length to pick up defenders from awkward angles, he’s also lacking play strength and technique to consistently drive defenders backwards and clear the way for his running backs.
Loveland will have a hard time with keeping his hands inside to stay engaged with defenders. However, that length, size, and good leg drive can help him wash second-level defenders out of the play.
The best part about Loveland as a prospect is that he’s still far from a finished prospect. That may sound backwards, but it’s his flashes of playmaking ability and athleticism combined with the fact that he hasn’t figured it all out yet that makes him such a unique player.
Scouts across the NFL will be keeping a close eye on Loveland in 2024. If he can at least show signs of progress in a few areas, most notably YAC ability and run-blocking technique, then there’s no reason why he won’t be TE1 in the 2025 draft.