Nate Tice: Colston Loveland is a matchup nightmare who is a terror up the seams and the intermediate area of the field. He has good height and size, with a frame that he can keep growing into and add strength to.

Loveland has the speed, body control, quickness and route-running polish to win across the formation, even on the outside to beat smaller and quicker defensive backs. He has good hands and catching range, and the smooth athleticism with loose hips that can get in-and-out of his routes easily. He’s also a big body that is comfortable working over the middle.

Loveland is still a work in progress as an in-line blocker and will likely have to be on the backside or split out in the run game. Still, the spark and advantages Loveland provides as a receiver make him a strong prospect and one of the best overall pass catchers in this class.

The production hasn’t been there in 2024 because of shoddy quarterback play in Ann Arbor, and Loveland might never consistently block in-line, but Loveland is a real mismatch as a pass catcher that will be a valid weapon on every down and in the red zone because of his easy athleticism and ball skills.

Charles McDonald: Go back to 2023 to see the truest form of Colston Loveland.

Michigan’s quarterback play was so bad last season that it hampered the entire offense, but Loveland should still be viewed as a premier player in this draft class. He’s not the roughest or toughest blocker, but he’s a smooth athlete in the open field and can get moving with the ball in his hands.

He might be closer to a big slot player than a true in-line tight end. Those players have plenty of use in today’s NFL.