Denver Broncos can get exactly what Sean Payton needs in round one of 2025 NFL Draft even if their first option is taken
Going into this 2025 offseason, the Denver Broncos need to make sure they get everything right. And that's not because they are in a bad situation like the past where they cannot afford to be put in another bad situation. No. Instead, they need to try and take advantage of this rookie contract version of […]
Going into this 2025 offseason, the Denver Broncos need to make sure they get everything right. And that's not because they are in a bad situation like the past where they cannot afford to be put in another bad situation. No. Instead, they need to try and take advantage of this rookie contract version of Bo Nix as much as possible. They need to get everything out of this team while he's on his rookie contract.
And that means getting this draft right and putting the right pieces around Nix. They have a few weapons in place, like Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, Courtland Sutton, and some depth guys. But, that's really it. When you look at their skill position players, it's the only position groups on that side of the ball that are underwhelming.
They have the QB position down now. They have the offensive line positions down, and a few good wide receivers. They need tight ends and running backs primarily on that side of the ball when they enter this draft. Luckily for them, this draft is great for running backs, one of the deepest running back drafts we have had in some time.
But, many are calling for the Broncos to go after a tight end in the first round, particularly Tyler Warren from Penn State. And, that would be an amazing fit, as Warren is maybe the best pass catcher in this entire draft. But, he will likely be gone before pick 20, where the Broncos find themselves picking.
So, what should they do? Luckily our guy Adam Holt at A to Z Sports recently published his newest mock draft and has the Broncos getting a pretty good backup plan.
20. Denver Broncos: Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
Sean Payton gets a key piece to his future passing game with Bo Nix. It is hard to see Denver swaying from adding to their offense in round one as of now. That could change with free agency, though. – A to Z Mock Draft
Loveland seems to be the second-best tight end in this class, which isn't saying much because the class is kind of weak. But, he would be a great pick by Payton as seeing how he would fit the system and style of offense that Payton likes to run and will run in 2025.
Loveland joined Michigan in 2022 as a four-star recruit. He started playing as a freshman during Michigan’s 2023 national championship season and grew into a key player. At 6'5" and 245 pounds, Loveland has the size and athleticism to challenge defenses, catching passes and making plays at all levels of the field, and has shown an ability to find the holes and gaps in zone coverage and sit in his spot.
In 2023, his sophomore year, Loveland had 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten honors. In 2024, his junior year, he set a Michigan tight end record with 56 receptions, totaling 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games, despite injuries and a struggling passing game.
He’s good at running routes and catching passes, and while he’s not an elite blocker, he holds his own. His injuries, including one that kept him out of the Ohio State game, were a setback, but he still performed at a high level.
If he's on the board at pick No. 20 and Warren is gone, I can assure you the Broncos will at least think about drafting Loveland.
2025 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos go into the SEC and find impact athleticism on both sides of the football
Denver Broncos land impressive haul in 2025 NFL mock draft
