By Sunday 
Late-Round Tight Ends Make Their Case at the Combine
The Detroit Lions have a strong foundation at tight end with Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright signed through 2026. But given their history of investing in the position, adding another prospect in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft isn’t out of the question.
During Day 2 of the NFL Combine, several mid-to-late-round tight ends took the podium, offering insight into their skill sets, leadership qualities, and potential fit for NFL rosters. Here’s a closer look at three standout prospects who made an impression.
Iowa’s Luke Lachey: The Next in a Long Line of Hawkeye Tight Ends?
Whenever an Iowa tight end enters the NFL Combine, scouts pay attention. Luke Lachey, a two-time team captain, understands the legacy of his position. However, his 2024 production—28 receptions for 231 yards—was modest compared to predecessors like Sam LaPorta and T.J. Hockenson. Lachey attributes this to learning a new offense, emphasizing his team-first mentality.
“I’m not the kind of guy that’s going to go up and tell someone, ‘Get me the ball more,’” Lachey explained. “I was buying into the team… Certainly, you’d love to get the ball more, but I can’t control that.”
Beyond his on-field abilities, Lachey draws inspiration from former Iowa standouts LaPorta, Jack Campbell, and Tyler Linderbaum. He also leans on the experience of his father, Jim Lachey, a five-time All-Pro offensive tackle.
Though his receiving numbers don’t jump off the page, his leadership and blocking ability make him a name to watch in the later rounds.
Georgia Tech’s Jackson Hawes: A Hidden Gem with NFL Traits
After earning his economics degree from Yale, Jackson Hawes had an opportunity to enter the draft in 2023 but instead transferred to Georgia Tech for a bigger stage. The move paid off.
“I looked at the transfer portal as a great opportunity to find myself flourishing in an offense that really caters to my abilities,” Hawes said.
Known primarily as a physical blocker—logging 67% of his snaps as an in-line tight end—Hawes believes his pass-catching skills are underrated. He caught only 16 passes for 195 yards last season but pointed to his performance in the Senior Bowl as proof of his potential.
Blocking remains his strength, however. He highlighted his eight or nine knockdowns against Florida State as a prime example of his physicality. For a team seeking a developmental tight end with a strong foundation in the trenches, Hawes could be a steal on Day 3.
Michigan’s Colston Loveland: A Top Prospect Battling Injury Concerns
Unlike Lachey and Hawes, Michigan’s Colston Loveland is projected as a first- or second-round pick. His press conference provided key updates on his recovery from January shoulder surgery.
“Three months out of surgery [late April], I should be able to run around and catch the football. After six months [late July], I’ll be cleared for contact,” Loveland stated, hinting at a full return by training camp.
Despite playing most of the 2024 season with a labrum injury, Loveland posted an impressive 56 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns. While his role leaned more toward receiving in the latter half of the season, he believes his blocking ability is undervalued.
“I’ve been doing it since freshman year… I think I just don’t do it as much, so sometimes that can kind of shy people’s vision away from actually what I do in the run game,” he explained.
Loveland’s blend of toughness, receiving ability, and blocking potential makes him one of the most well-rounded tight ends in this draft class.
Final Thoughts: A Deep Tight End Class with Late-Round Value
While Colston Loveland is a surefire early pick, Luke Lachey and Jackson Hawes represent intriguing late-round options for teams seeking depth. Lachey brings leadership and a strong blocking pedigree, while Hawes offers size, power, and untapped receiving potential.
For a team like the Lions, who value versatility at the position, these names could be worth monitoring as the draft approaches.