The LA Chargers have to deal with a lot more variance in the 2025 NFL Draft than they did a year ago. There is a big difference between having the No. 22 pick and the No. 5 pick. Instead of choosing their own destiny, the Chargers are subject to whatever happens in front of them in the draft.
Thus, the team's dream first-round prospect might not even be on the board by the time the Chargers' name is called. Michigan tight end Colston Loveland is clearly the best (reasonable) first-round target for the Bolts, but the Chargers won't be the only team interested in his services.
While potential concerns about his medicals could result in him falling in the first round, there are still several threats to take the promising tight end before the Bolts. NFL insider Benjamin Allbright revealed the biggest threat, stating that the Chargers and Indianapolis Colts are the two teams that have been connected to Loveland the most.
Colts revealed as biggest threat to steal Colston Loveland from Chargers
The Colts have just as big of a need as the Chargers at tight end. Indianapolis holds the No. 14 pick in the first round and it is almost certain that Loveland will be on the board when the Colts are on the clock.
If the Colts want Loveland in the first round then they will undoubtedly get him. There is nothing the Chargers can do to stop that reality unless the team overspends to trade up in the first round. As promising as Loveland is, selling future draft capital to move up 10 spots to draft a tight end isn't the best long-term play.
The one hope for the Chargers is that the Colts sell themselves on the medical concerns around Loveland. Tight end also doesn't have as much positional value as other positions in the NFL Draft. Time after time we see teams prioritize positional value over actual talent, so the Colts could go in another direction.
The problem for the Chargers is that the Colts' other needs in the first round also have low positional value. There isn't a linebacker or interior offensive linemen who would be worth taking over Loveland with the No. 14 pick.
Loveland's Michigan teammate, Kenneth Grant, could be the one saving grace for the Chargers. Indianapolis could use interior defensive line help and Grant is one of the most promising first-round prospects at the position.
However, with a young quarterback still trying to find his footing, the Colts are much more likely to prioritize a pass-catcher over a position they could easily fill in the second round.
Time will tell if the Chargers even have a chance at drafting Loveland in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, based on the tea leaves, Chargers fans should adjust their expectations.