If the Rams are looking to add a high-end playmaker at pick No. 26, Michigan tight end Colston Loveland has been linked as a fit for Los Angeles.
CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus and FTN Fantasy all have the Rams selecting Loveland in recent mock drafts. He would provide an explosive presence to the Rams' offense as well as depth at a position that is occupied mostly by veterans with contracts that expire soon.
This is not an endorsement of Loveland by the Rams, nor is it an indication that they are targeting him. This is simply a reflection of external media linking Loveland to Los Angeles in the 2025 draft.
Here's a breakdown of Loveland's game and the value he could bring to the Rams' offense.
College Stats
All stats coutesy of Michigan Football except yards per route run (Pro Football Focus).
| Season | Games | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Yards Per Game | Yards Per Route Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 14 | 16 | 235 | 2 | 16.8 | 1.38 |
| 2023 | 15 | 45 | 649 | 4 | 43.3 | 2.38 |
| 2024 | 10 | 56 | 582 | 5 | 58.2 | 2.67 |
Scouting Report
Loveland has matchup nightmare potential in the NFL. At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds, he has the athleticism to blow past linebackers and size to dwarf defensive backs in coverage.
"Tight ends are the biggest mismatch creators in the NFL today. Colston Loveland fits the mold incredibly well," said Bleacher Report scout Dame Parson. "At his height and weight, Loveland is a quick-footed and athletic mover. He can snap in and out of his breaks with quickness and suddenness to separate from coverage on short routes."
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein said that he can run the full route tree and separate consistently against both zone and man coverage. His 2.89 yards per route run against man coverage last season ranked fourth among eligible tight ends, and he ranked 10th in that stat against man coverage (2.10), according to PFF. Even when he doesn't separate, Loveland elevates to make contested catches with strong hands.
He plays with physicality, capable of dragging multiple defenders with him in the open field, and a contagious energy, similar to Rams running back Kyren Williams, which L.A. prizes.
Loveland has been a staple in Michigan's passing attack over the past two seasons, and even contributed as a true freshman. Last season, he was a finalist for the Mackey Award (nation's best tight end) and an All-American Second Team selection by the FWAA. His 56 receptions in 2024 set the program record for a tight end, and he did it in just 10 games.
Against Fresno State last season, Loveland carried Bulldogs on his back or limbs for extra yards multiple times before popping back up with obvious vigor. He caught eight passes for 87 yards and a touchdown in that game, leading the Wolverines to a 30-10 victory.
As a blocker, Loveland is "willing and effective," Parson said. He can create edges and work into the second level, but he isn't a powerhouse like 49ers tight end George Kittle.
"Colston's collection of athletic traits and catch talent creates a high ceiling with the opportunity to become a high-volume target and future Pro Bowler," Zierlein said.
Fit
Los Angeles currently has three tight ends under contract for 2025, including veterans Tyler Higbee (32 years old) and Colby Parkinson (26). Higbee's contract expires after the 2025 season, and Parkinson's is up after 2026, so the Rams could use a tight end of the future. Loveland could be just that.
Zierlein's NFL player comparison for Loveland is Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who showcased an ability to impact both the run and pass game for Detroit in his two NFL seasons.
Los Angeles runs primarily 11 personnel (one running back and one tight end), but their 12 personnel rate increased from 4.8% in 2023 to 13.9% in 2024, according to sumersports. The Rams could benefit from a dynamic presence like Loveland to compliment Higbee and Parkinson, especially if that personnel trend continues in 2025.
As Zierlein stated, Loveland can serve as a traditional in-line tight end or split out wide in the slot, which would give the Rams some versatility at the position. His athleticism and physicality make him a weapon in the screen game as well, both as a receiver and downfield blocker.
His skill set wouldn't just give the Rams another player to plug in to the scheme, it could add dimensions to the offense. The attention drawn by L.A.'s other offensive weapons could give a dangerous player like Loveland the chance to do some damage in the open field.
"Now that we know Matthew Stafford will be back, the Rams move on to making sure he has the requisite weapons to succeed, and Colston Loveland is the type of tight end Sean McVay could have a lot of fun with," Tom Fornelli wrote in his mock draft for CBS Sports.
