Colston Loveland....

[Seattle Person]

Loveland is a unique talent because he runs such good routes. I am intrigued with him because you can use him everywhere including being a big X-WR/TE. You line him up at the L.O.S to handle physical DBs. He is a match up nightmare. He isn't the best blocker but he's functional. He completely fits this offense. He will help open free releases for JSN and Kupp. Another player that isn't as polished but can potentially offer similar things is a Oronde Gadsden.

Warren is different. He's not exactly George Kittle because he doesn't have the same type of juice or blocking ability. Warren is used everywhere as well. He can run fly-sweeps. You can stack him at the L.O.S. He can play FB and be that H-back. The Diet Pepsi version of Warren is Benjamin Yurosek.

These are the 4 TEs I'm really interested in because they bring something unique to the TE position. I'll add another on Elijah Arroyo. He is the closest thing to George Kittle in my opinion. He has that Bugatti engine. He probably runs in the 4.5s and has shown tenacity in the run game. He isn't the blocker Kittle is but he has shown the ability. The rub is his knee injury history. I'm scared to death about that.

 

[Hawkamaniac]

A lot of interesting choices to be sure.

I appreciate the posts regarding Loveland’s run blocking. If he’s in any way competent I’m all for it. And if he ends up being a ‘Hawk I’ll trust that the front office has done their homework.

 

[TheLegendOfBoom]

Yeah (i get what you're saying) except from what I'm hearing, Kubiak is planning to use 2 tight-end sets so wouldn't getting Loveland be the move if he's there?

Well, I guess it depends on how much 2 tight sets will be the game plan every week?

How much targets, looks and receptions will these two tight ends share?

If it’s 10 total targets, is primarily or secondary looks??

How many catches do you distribute to JSN and Kupp and how many times do you run the ball?

Is a first round pick for Loveland worth maybe 6 targets a game, which would maybe amount to 3 catches a game, worth using your first round pick on?

I think based on snaps and actual productivity is NOT worth it to use the 18th overall pick on Loveland.

I still think offensive line and at least a potential edge defender is the more efficient move.

You would get more bang for buck in this regard.

 

[Scout]

Base 2 TE sets will be more of the norm but it is hard to say what they settle on until we see how they draft post draft.

 

[Seahawker]

 

[TheLegendOfBoom]

A

Base 2 TE sets will be more of the norm but it is hard to say what they settle on until we see how they draft post draft.

And you gotta take into consideration, 2 tight end sets takes one personnel away, usually receiver or running back and it’s a guaranteed pass play unless it is a designed QB run (but with Darnold) not much running will be designed for Sam.

How much will these two tight end sets be on the field?

Kubiak, can say he wants to run two tight end sets but that does not mean we wants to make it a big focal point.

Maybe 20 percent offensive snaps might be a 2 tight end set?

Just cause you say you will run two tight end sets, does not mean, your first round pick will/should be tight end.

I still feel like you can draft Arroyo (from Miami) later if you want some tight end depth….

The play should be the lines to make the most impact per game plan and per snap count, just IMO.

 

[therealjohncarlson]

View attachment 70788

Many people have said the value of OL at 18 won’t be there.. ie a 2nd round pick OL will be about as good as a guy we could get at pick 18.

Taking a guy at 18 just because it’s our biggest need irrespective of value is what bad teams do.

 

[Seahawker]

Many people have said the value of OL at 19 won’t be there.. ie a 2nd round pick OL will be about as good as a guy we could get at pick 18.

Taking a guy at 18 just because it’s our biggest need irrespective of value is what bad teams do.

At least take the tie off and open your collar.

 

[irfuben32]

NO BLOCKY NO dRAFTY

 

[therealjohncarlson]

At least take the tie off and open your collar.

Why don’t you try brushing your teeth once in a while.. I can smell the gas station slim
Jim’s and Mountain Dew on your breath from here.

 

[KinesProf]

He will help open free releases for JSN and Kupp.

That's a very key point with Loveland.

 

[KinesProf]

A receiving TE who can’t block. Schneider likes those kind of guys

Are you able to expand upon your concerns with Loveland's blocking? I'm curious what you are seeing in that regard.

 

[Wsumatt1982]

Are you able to expand upon your concerns with Loveland's blocking? I'm curious what you are seeing in that regard.

I've read, and I apologize I can't remember where, but 1 analyst said he's a far better blocker than Warren. I can't remember who, but that was 1 analysts take.

 

[Seahawker]

Why don’t you try brushing your teeth once in a while.. I can smell the gas station slim
Jim’s and Mountain Dew on your breath from here.

How dare you sir disparage such an esteemed and high ranking member of .net...
I have asked the moderators to forgo any disciplinary measures against you as this is greatly out of context for your usual discourse.
Peace brother.

 

[Seattle Person]

A

And you gotta take into consideration, 2 tight end sets takes one personnel away, usually receiver or running back and it’s a guaranteed pass play unless it is a designed QB run (but with Darnold) not much running will be designed for Sam.

How much will these two tight end sets be on the field?

Kubiak, can say he wants to run two tight end sets but that does not mean we wants to make it a big focal point.

Maybe 20 percent offensive snaps might be a 2 tight end set?

Just cause you say you will run two tight end sets, does not mean, your first round pick will/should be tight end.

I still feel like you can draft Arroyo (from Miami) later if you want some tight end depth….

The play should be the lines to make the most impact per game plan and per snap count, just IMO.

This is why Loveland and Gadsden are so intriguing. I agree with your points.

However with move TEs like Loveland and Gadsden, you get enough blocking and more than enough receiving abilities. They are functional inline TEs that you can use them in 12 personnel, and enough abilities to be used as an X-WR in 11 personnel.

We have to look at Kubiak's history:

2024 Saints: Kubiak used 12 personnel and 11 personnel about the same amount of time. It was about 30ish % of the time. You can see the intrigue with move TEs like this.

 

[Atradees]

Over the last decade we have underutilized the pass catching TE. Greg Olsen anyone? I agree signing a guy with the first pick that won't be a factor is a waste. We now have a handful of scrubs at the postion. Fant is called good and paid like it but like Huard argues there is no YAC there. Conversely. You take a possible probowl Talent if it's there at any position.

 

[Shane Falco]

I've read, and I apologize I can't remember where, but 1 analyst said he's a far better blocker than Warren. I can't remember who, but that was 1 analysts take.

I heard the opposite from multiple analysts. But like you said it was 1 guys take. I guess we need some folks in here who actually watched these college teams play all season to get a real feel for it.

 

[Wsumatt1982]

I heard the opposite from multiple analysts. But like you said it was 1 guys take. I guess we need some folks in here who actually watched these college teams play all season to get a real feel for it.

Yeah, it was only 1 guy and it was mentioned on 2 different podcasts so I checked it out. I just can't remember who actually said it. I don't see it myself.

I can't stand college football. I'll watch tape between football season and the draft but I won't watch the games. He could have potential but I don't see it right now. My favorite is Arroyo at the moment.

 

[Seattle Person]

I heard the opposite from multiple analysts. But like you said it was 1 guys take. I guess we need some folks in here who actually watched these college teams play all season to get a real feel for it.

I actually would call Warren and Loveland average blockers. They aren't amazing to be honest.

If you want good blockers then Robbie Ouzts, Jackson Hawes, Stevo Klotz, Ben Yurosek put everything into blocking.

 

[KinesProf]

I heard the opposite from multiple analysts. But like you said it was 1 guys take. I guess we need some folks in here who actually watched these college teams play all season to get a real feel for it.

2025 NFL Draft: Is Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland TE1? Breaking down 2 fun prospects at a challenging position

Warren is arguably the bigger name, and Penn State deployed him in a number of different ways. But don't undersell Loveland's potential here either.

sports.yahoo.com

^^
It was Nate Tice (former Wisconsin QB) who did a pretty detailed breakdown arguing that Loveland is the better blocker right now. Which, given that he is two years younger than Warren, sounds pretty promising.

Would you be able to link the arguments you've found in favour of Warren being the better blocker? As I would be curious to read/hear them.