The 2024 regular season is right around the corner as the LA Chargers prepare for the first season of the Jim Harbaugh era. The excitement in the fanbase is palpable as Harbaugh has completely shifted the culture of the entire franchise before playing a single game.
Before the NFL officially kicks off, though, the NCAA ushered football back with a full slate of games in Week 1 during Labor Day Weekend. One of the most interesting teams to watch was Harbaugh's former team, the University of Michigan, to see how the defending National Champions fared without Harbaugh and many key players from last year.
The Wolverines predictably beat Fresno State by a comfortable margin and in the game itself, the most likely first-round pick for the Chargers in 2025 balled out. Tight end Colston Loveland led all Michigan players in receiving yards, kickstarting his senior season with eight catches for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Colston Loveland just makes things happen.
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 1, 2024
The star TE puts No. 9 @UMichFootball up two scores.#B1GFootball on NBC 📺 pic.twitter.com/Pk4I7ohrNw
Michigan's Colston Loveland is a perfect fit for the Chargers
Loveland enters his senior season as the No. 1 tight end prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft and is someone who Harbaugh is obviously familiar with. Back during his time with Michigan, Harbaugh said Loveland was Michigan's Travis Kelce. Quite high praise if you ask us.
A lot can (and will) happen before the 2025 NFL Draft but as it stands right now, Loveland ranks 26th on Pro Football Focus' big board. Loveland will continue to climb the draft boards if he plays well this season but because of his position, his ceiling is naturally limited.
Thus, it is fair to expect he will be available for the Chargers when the team is on the clock, even if Harbaugh is able to steer the Bolts to a playoff appearance in year one.
Tight end appears to be one of the biggest long-term needs for the Chargers heading into 2024, making it even more likely Loveland will be targeted. Will Dissly, who is a great blocker but is not a dynamic pass-catcher, is the team's TE1 heading into 2024. Hayden Hurst, who has not had a great season in multiple years, is the TE2.
There is no promising youth behind that duo that is projected to develop. Tight end needs an infusion of youth and pass-catching ability. Loveland would add that and could (hopefully) give Justin Herbert his version of Kelce in the future (even if he is 60% of Kelce that is a massive win).
The main focus for Chargers fans will always be how the 2024 season is shaking out. Not many fans are doing draft prep so early in the regular season. But at the very least, keep an eye on Loveland as the stars are aligning for him to be a Charger sooner rather than later.