In a 2025 NFL mock draft the Indianapolis Colts pass on the popular pick, Penn State’s Tyler Warren, and select a different tight end instead.
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports had the Colts taking Michigan’s Colston Loveland at 14th overall, even with Warren on the board.
Here was Edward’s reasoning:
“I think it truly comes down to scheme fit and what each team is looking for out of that role. Indianapolis has done everything within its power to support the young quarterback.”
Where I think Edwards is going here is that he views Loveland as the better pass-catcher out of the two and putting as much talent in that regard around Anthony Richardson should be a priority.
However, Warren did total over 1,200 yards last season, and of two, is the more well-rounded, which brings a ton of value to an offense.
When there is the level of versatility that Warren adds–able to line up across the formation–and a tight end who can impact the game both as a receiver and as a blocker, there is added unpredictability that the offense now possesses.
Loveland is known more for his ability as a pass-catching threat. Nearly half of his snaps over the last two seasons have come from the slot and he’s totaled over 1,200 yards the last two seasons, which includes averaging 14.4 yards per catch in 2023, according to PFF.
His presence can also help create mismatches that both he and his teammates can benefit from.
For more on Loveland, here is a snippet of what Lance Zierlein of NFL.com wrote in his pre-draft report:
“Talented young tight end with the athletic ability and ball skills to become an elite talent as a pass catcher,” Zierlein wrote. “Colston plays the game like a big wideout, capable of separating from man coverage and making plays on all three levels. He has good play speed and runs a route tree full of branches, allowing creative play-callers to move him around as a mismatch option.”
Regardless of how the Colts go about addressing the tight end position this offseason, finding a greater pass-catching presence is a must for GM Chris Ballard.