Bengals, Chargers, Giants, and Jets get close look at future first round tight end at Michigan Pro Day
As the evolution of the tight end position in the NFL continues, several teams are looking to add a difference maker at the position. 2023 set an NFL Draft record with nine tight ends coming off the board before the end of round three. 2024, on the other hand, looks to be a very shallow […]
As the evolution of the tight end position in the NFL continues, several teams are looking to add a difference maker at the position. 2023 set an NFL Draft record with nine tight ends coming off the board before the end of round three. 2024, on the other hand, looks to be a very shallow tight end class outside of Brock Bowers from Georgia. However, that didn't stop several NFL teams from sending their tight ends coaches to the Michigan Pro Day today.
Why so much interest? AJ Barner is certainly an intriguing day three NFL Draft prospect this year in the tight end class who at least the Bengals seem interested in. But he's likely not the only tight end several NFL teams have their sights set on. If not him, then who?
Colston Loveland. Future NFL star. That's who.
Loveland is a very likely first round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and was actually Michigan's leading receiver for the second half of last season for the Wolverines. And just like many elite future draft picks, Loveland was given the nod to perform alongside his Michigan teammates a year in advance today at the Wolverines' pro day in front of scouts from almost every NFL team.
But which teams showed the most interest? And which ones went out of their way to specifically send their tight ends coach to get a closer look? According to Jim Nagy (Executive Director of the Senior Bowl), the Bengals, Chargers, Giants, and Jets all sent their tight end specialist to watch Colston Loveland up close.
What makes Loveland so special? He stepped in right away as a true freshman and played over 400 snaps for a Michigan team that went to the College Football Playoff in 2022. But then last fall he took his game to a whole new level, scoring four touchdowns in a three week span in the middle of the season. He scorched Ohio State for 88 yards in their bitter rivalry game. Then he came up huge on three key catches for 64 yards (21+ yards per reception) in the College Football National Championship.
Loveland is an elite receiver at the position with NFL-ready speed, athleticism, and play strength. Even if the Bengals, Chargers, Giants, Jets, and others miss out on Brock Bowers (Georgia) or Ja'Tavion Sanders (Texas) this year, they could certainly target Loveland in the 2025 NFL Draft. He may see a dip in receiving yards this fall with his quarterback J.J. McCarthy set to be selected early in round one this spring, but Loveland looks like a lock to be the best tight end next year.
Be looking for more NFL Draft and pro day coverage in the coming weeks here at A to Z Sports. Be sure to follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest news!
