The Los Angeles Chargers are projected to select a Michigan Wolverines weapon in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to a recent mock draft from an NFL expert.
This projected selection would reunite the big target with his former head coach, Jim Harbaugh, and give Justin Herbert a sorely needed security blanket in the passing game.
Chargers Projected To Select Colston Loveland In First Round of 2025 NFL Mock Draft
NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks predicts that the Chargers will pick Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 22 overall pick in the draft.
Brooks notes that the 6’5″, 245-pound former basketball star “would help Justin Herbert attack the middle of the field on various ball-control passes at intermediate depth,” highlighting the immediate impact Loveland could have in the Chargers’ scheme.
Though the pairing appears to be a perfect match, PFSN’s latest 2025 NFL mock draft has Loveland off the board when the Chargers pick, with the Indianapolis Colts snatching up the tight end at No. 14.
PFSN’s Owain Jones notes, “Colston Loveland would add a different dimension to the Indianapolis Colts’ receiving game. The primarily pass-catching tight end can line up in the slot or in-line and has the athleticism, creative playmaking ability, and fluid route running to take the passing attack in Indianapolis to the next level.”
The Colts’ top two tight ends, Kylen Granson and Mo Alie-Cox, combined for only 26 receptions and 329 receiving yards in 2024, proving Indianapolis could benefit from a playmaker to help third-year quarterback Anthony Richardson.
Meanwhile, Jones has the Chargers selecting North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton at No. 22.
“[Ashton] Jeanty deservedly is the talking point as the top running back, but don’t sleep on the rest of this class. Omarion Hampton would rightfully be the top rusher in a lot of other draft classes,” Jones writes about the Chargers’ projected pick.
“The North Carolina Tar Heel is a strong pass protector and an adequate receiver, allowing him to stay on the field for all three downs. At the same time, his vision, ferocious leg drive, and fluidity will enable him to be adaptable to different running schemes.
Loveland’s Fit Within The Chargers Tight End Room
The Chargers aren’t as desperate at the tight end position.
Last season’s starter, Will Dissly, should return in 2025 and isn’t scheduled to become a free agent until 2027.
The former Seattle Seahawk had the best year of his pro tenure in 2024, putting up career-highs in receptions and receiving yards.
However, Dissly is viewed more as a tough run-blocker than pass-catcher, opening the door for Loveland to get the bulk of targets in Los Angeles’ offense. Also, Dissly will turn 29 years old this season, so it would make sense to find a long-term solution at the position who is on the same timeline as Herbert.
Loveland’s Scouting Report and Draft Profile
Loveland’s PFSN scouting report reveals a promising prospect who possesses impressive athleticism and versatility with significant upside.
“Loveland is a long and lean tight end prospect with excellent overall athleticism. He is a natural receiving tight end who was grossly under-used throughout his collegiate career. He aligned all over the formation for the Wolverines but was at his best operating detached from the line of scrimmage and in the slot.
“Loveland is a smooth mover with good speed off the line of scrimmage. He is a long strider who quickly chews up grass and gets down the field. He flashes very good overall straight-line speed and has the ability to stretch the seam vertically.
“What is so exciting about Loveland’s game is the fluidity and suddenness with which he plays. He not only has the vertical speed to stress the defense, but he has the quickness and flexibility to stop on a dime, sink his hips, and create separation.
“Overall, Loveland has an exciting receiving profile that is a perfect fit for today’s NFL. His lack of physicality as a blocker may limit him as an every-down player, but his pass-game upside will still have NFL decision-makers giddy. Look for him to be a top-20 pick come this year’s NFL Draft.”
While Loveland’s blocking skills are noted as an area for improvement, his receiving prowess and value as a mismatch weapon in the passing game make him an intriguing complement to Dissly’s run-blocking talents.
Loveland’s skill set positions him as one of the top tight-end prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. A reunion with Harbaugh could help balance the run-heavy Chargers and give them an advantage in a competitive AFC West.
