Broncos give Sean Payton what he wants most in a new 2025 NFL Mock Draft by attacking a big position of need

One of the Denver Broncos' biggest needs this offseason is to upgrade their tight end position. Head coach Sean Payton spoke to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine last week and described the type of TE he typically would covet if he were to use a top pick on the position. In a new A […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Nov 24, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton reacts during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
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One of the Denver Broncos' biggest needs this offseason is to upgrade their tight end position. 

Head coach Sean Payton spoke to the media at the NFL Scouting Combine last week and described the type of TE he typically would covet if he were to use a top pick on the position. In a new A to Z Sports 2025 NFL Mock Draft, the Broncos land a TE that would fit what he is looking for, like a glove. 


Broncos land Michigan TE Colston Loveland in a new mock draft

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) walks off the field after 38-17 loss to Oregon at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Sean Payton keeps talking about how the offense needs a joker and Colston Loveland could be that guy. He can play in-line, in the slot, and even out wide. Loveland can be a mismatch weapon that Payton arguably hasn't had since Reggie Bush."

New A to Z Sports Mock Draft

Payton shared at the combine that he prefers targeting a TE who excels as a pass catcher rather than a proven blocker early in the draft. Michigan's Colston Loveland is arguably the most gifted route runner at TE in this year's class. And though he doesn't have the elite production to back it up, NFL coaches and scouts can easily see how great of a weapon he can be at the pro level with competent quarterback play. Something he didn't have at Michigan this past season. 

Bo Nix had a great rookie season and would be a major upgrade to what Loveland had under center this past year. Adding Loveland would likely help Nix take that next step in his pro career by giving him a reliable safety blanket he can utilize on third downs. And we all saw how creative and effective Sean Payton can be as an offensive play-caller with a dynamic TE during his time with Jimmy Graham.