Broncos predicted to land national champion in first round to bolster offense

The Denver Broncos currently hold the No. 20 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but there is plenty of speculation as to who the team will select with that choice. 

After already adding Evan Engram in free agency, the general thought is that the team won't select a tight end in the first round. But if a great one is there, would it be wise to pass on him?

Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports doesn't feel that would be a good move as in his latest mock draft, he has the Broncos using that pick on Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. 

Loveland, who helped win the national championship with the Wolverines following the 2023 season, is one of the top offensive prospects in this draft. Tyler Warren is taken with the No. 7 overall pick by the New York Jets before the Broncos make Loveland the second tight end off the board. 

Aside from what Loveland would bring to the offense, two things make this pick noteworthy. First, Trapasso has the Broncos taking Loveland in favor of North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton, the player who is on nearly every mock draft going to the Broncos of late. Trapasso doesn't even have Hampton being taken in the first round. 

Secondly, taking Loveland would be a big blow to the Broncos' divisional rival Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers, who need a tight end, may have their eyes fixed on Loveland as he played under Jim Harbaugh in college. 

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Loveland is a big target in the passing game at 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds. He has a tremendous catch radius and displays great athleticism. He has the physical tools to become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Adding him to an offense that already has Engram would give the Broncos a legitimate double-tight end threat and take a ton of pressure off of a young wide receiving corps. 

This would be an excellent selection for the Broncos.

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