Michigan’s Colston Loveland, the nation’s No. 2 tight end, is the state’s hottest name right now. He’s turning into one of the top prospects for next spring’s NFL draft. Loveland’s combination of size and fluid athleticism is jaw dropping. His eye-opening performances are turning him into a high-demand possible day 2 target for teams looking for a move tight end. His performance at the Senior Bowl this past January only reaffirmed his status as a player to keep an eye on.
At 6-foot-6, Loveland has the size and speed to be a defensing nightmare as he runs like a deer and towers over most defenders. In addition to his route running prowess, his size makes him an effective weapon in the red zone. He’s able to post up smaller defenders and catch passes in key scoring areas. This quality is extremely valuable for quarterbacks – just ask Matthew Stafford. He just restructured his contract to remain on the Los Angeles Rams through at least the end of next season. The shared potential Stafford-Loveland connection could end up being a win-win for both players.
Last year, Loveland proved to be a seam-stretcher, racking up 1,233 receiving yards on just 74 receptions. Notably, 700 of those yards came after the catch, demonstrating his skill in gaining significant yardage following the initial reception. This kind of ability to break tackles and extend plays has helped earn Orji the reputation as a dynamic offensive threat. Loveland’s versatility as a tight end really stands out in all types of offensive flavors. This versatility closely aligns to make him one of the most attractive options for teams seeking an impact, multi-dimensional weapon.
As much as he’s impressed on the receiving end, Loveland has made his most tangible impact felt on the defensive side. During the last two seasons, he routinely broke up 17 passes, displaying his superior awareness and athleticism for the position. His defensive ability is a new wrinkle to his game. This just goes to prove that he is more than just an offensive asset and is a well-rounded player.
As we get closer to the NFL draft, Loveland’s stock keeps increasing against other names among scouting circles. Any team in search of a receiving tight end, with the size and athleticism to reward mismatches vertically, should find him an attractive option. His performance at the Senior Bowl and impressive statistics from last season highlight his potential to make an immediate impact in the league.
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