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The Chicago Bearsselected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick, which marked the first time since Mike Ditka (fifth overall, 1961) that Chicago drafted a tight end in the Top 10.
While the selection came as a surprise to many, as Penn State's Tyler Warren was widely considered to be the top tight end, the Bears deemed Loveland the perfect fit for Ben Johnson's offense. For general manager Ryan Poles, it came down to Loveland's versatility, skillset and intangibles.
"It's not just one part of his game," Poles told reporters Thursday night. "It's the totality of what he can do for us. When you turn on the tape, there's plays being made constantly. It's a guy that you could feel confident going to in critical situations.
"What stands out? Obviously, the dynamic skillset to separate but also when you really study him in the run game, the blocking is way better than I think people realize."
Johnson compared Loveland to Sam LaPorta, who Johnson helped develop into an All Pro in Detroit, and he already has ideas of how to utilize him on offense. Loveland is an elite route runner and should develop into an explosive playmaker for quarterback Caleb Williams. Loveland is a matchup nightmare and will provide a threat in the red zone.
"Love his compete, his fire," Poles said. "This kid is physical, he's tough, he plays the game the right way. When you watch the tape, there's an energy level that comes with him. You can see it throughout the game and it's infectious to other guys."
Loveland is a huge addition for this offense, and it's a pick that has Johnson's hands all over it. Look for more 12 personnel from Johnson with the pairing of Cole Kmet and Loveland, which will force defenses to pick their poison between two solid pass catching tight ends.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears GM Ryan Poles explains what he loves about Colston Loveland
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While the selection came as a surprise to many, as Penn State's Tyler Warren was widely considered to be the top tight end, the Bears deemed Loveland the perfect fit for Ben Johnson's offense. For general manager Ryan Poles, it came down to Loveland's versatility, skillset and intangibles.
"It's not just one part of his game," Poles told reporters Thursday night. "It's the totality of what he can do for us. When you turn on the tape, there's plays being made constantly. It's a guy that you could feel confident going to in critical situations.
"What stands out? Obviously, the dynamic skillset to separate but also when you really study him in the run game, the blocking is way better than I think people realize."
Johnson compared Loveland to Sam LaPorta, who Johnson helped develop into an All Pro in Detroit, and he already has ideas of how to utilize him on offense. Loveland is an elite route runner and should develop into an explosive playmaker for quarterback Caleb Williams. Loveland is a matchup nightmare and will provide a threat in the red zone.
"Love his compete, his fire," Poles said. "This kid is physical, he's tough, he plays the game the right way. When you watch the tape, there's an energy level that comes with him. You can see it throughout the game and it's infectious to other guys."
Loveland is a huge addition for this offense, and it's a pick that has Johnson's hands all over it. Look for more 12 personnel from Johnson with the pairing of Cole Kmet and Loveland, which will force defenses to pick their poison between two solid pass catching tight ends.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears GM Ryan Poles explains what he loves about Colston Loveland
Continue reading...
