Desperate for a reliable pass-catcher to pair with ascending quarterback Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts are projected to select a dynamic tight end with the No. 14 pick in the first round of this year’s NFL Draft.
Indianapolis Colts Projected To Draft Colston Loveland
The Colts have struggled to find a difference-making tight end since Dallas Clark. Promising prospect Coby Fleener left after his rookie contract, and Jack Doyle was used sparingly.
In 2024, their tight end group was among the least productive in the NFL. Mo Alie-Cox and Kylen Granson combined for just 53 catches, 318 yards, and one touchdown. Alie-Cox remains unsigned in free agency, while Granson agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The team added depth pieces in Andrew Ogletree and Will Mallory, but finding a top-tier tight end has to be a priority.
The Colts tried to land Brock Bowers in last year’s draft, but they couldn’t trade up ahead of the Las Vegas Raiders, who selected him with the No. 13 overall pick (two picks before the Colts were on the clock).
In PFSN’s latest mock draft, Anthony Pasciolla projected that the Colts will take Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.
“The Indianapolis Colts miss out on the consensus No. 1 TE for a second consecutive season with Bowers (in 2024) and [Tyler] Warren being selected prior to their pick. Instead of opting for the best player available, the Colts’ front office could become tired of waiting and take the next-best player at the position,” Pasciolla wrote.
“Colston Loveland continued his success last season, but the lack of productive quarterback play and the run-oriented offense hurt his level of production.”
What Makes Loveland a Great Fit for the Colts
PFSN’s Brentley Weissman had this to say about Loveland in his scouting report:
“Loveland is a long and lean tight end prospect with excellent overall athleticism. He is a natural receiving tight end who was grossly underused throughout his collegiate career.
“Loveland has an incredible catch radius and outstanding hands, ball skills, and body control. He has everything you want as a receiving tight end, and a creative offensive coordinator will enjoy utilizing his unique skill set.”
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 245 pounds, Loveland’s size and catch radius make him a valuable red-zone target.
His ability to operate as both a traditional in-line tight end and a split-out pass catcher provides versatility that offensive coordinators can use to create mismatches.
Also, his basketball background is evident in his ability to high-point passes, giving him an edge in contested-catch situations.
Colts’ Draft Strategy and Alternatives to Loveland
While the Colts could address other positions, such as defensive line or secondary, the tight end position remains a glaring need.
Loveland’s potential as a 100-catch weapon in the right scheme aligns with Indianapolis’ goal of adding a dynamic, reliable target on third downs.
If Loveland is off the board, the Colts could consider other tight end prospects, such as Penn State’s Tyler Warren — if he falls to No. 14 — or LSU’s Mason Taylor, son of former NFL great Jason Taylor.
In Pasciolla’s latest mock draft, Warren came off the board at No. 10 to the New York Jets, who traded down. In PFSN’s latest seven-round mock draft, Taylor is projected to go early in the third round (No. 70 overall) to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Regardless of who is under center between Richardson and recent free-agent addition Daniel Jones, Loveland has the tools to become a key contributor and fill a huge hole in the Colts’ offense.