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There was plenty of rumors and speculation surrounding the Chicago Bears heading into the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Would they trade up? Trade back? Continue to focus on the trenches? Go offensive skill player?
In the end, the Bears opted to add another dynamic playmaker in Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at 10th overall, who appears to be handpicked by new head coach Ben Johnson.
Last season with Michigan, Loveland had 66 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. Now, quarterback Caleb Williams has another big weapon to target in the passing game.
Not many expected Loveland to be the first tight end off the board. That was supposed to be Penn State's Tyler Warren. But the Bears ultimately decided that Loveland was a better fit than Warren.
In addition to putting up big numbers as a receiver, Loveland has experience that will serve him well as he translates to the NFL. As a member of the Michigan Wolverines, Loveland played under the bright lights of the College Football Playoff in 2023 and 2024. That included defeating Rome Odunze and the Washington Huskies in the National Championship in 2024. Having that type of high-stakes experience will help Loveland once he's in the NFL. If the Bears find themselves in a playoff situation, Loveland should have what it takes to stay composed.
Loveland has the tools needed to change games offensively. Whether it's making life easier on quarterback Caleb Williams or finding space in the end zone, he will be able to help Chicago score points. His statistics from the 2024 season aren't eye-popping, but the level of quarterback play wasn't acceptable. The previous year, with first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Loveland averaged over 14 yards per catch on a championship-winning squad. He will be great with Williams, who was drafted nine picks higher than McCarthy.
Loveland is not going to be Rob Gronkowski in terms of a two-way tight end. He can go out for passes and make things difficult on opposing defenses when it comes to guarding him, but Loveland won't be heavily relied on as a blocking tight end. Whether it's run protection or pass, they are more likely to go in a different direction unless he develops that part of his game at a high rate in the coming years.
Loveland will serve as a 1-2 punch at tight end with Cole Kmet, who's under contract through the 2027 season. Ben Johnson has been an incredibly creative offensive mind, and now he will bring that to Chicago. Although this was a surprising pick, that will be met with mixed reviews, it won't be at all surprising if Johnson finds a way to turn Loveland into a superstar. Expect to see plenty of two tight end sets with Kmet and Loveland, which is Johnson's specialty. With DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and D'Andre Swift on the roster, it's now a solid group of weapons for Caleb Williams as he enters his sophomore season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears draft Colston Loveland in first round: Fit, scouting report
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In the end, the Bears opted to add another dynamic playmaker in Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at 10th overall, who appears to be handpicked by new head coach Ben Johnson.
Last season with Michigan, Loveland had 66 receptions for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. Now, quarterback Caleb Williams has another big weapon to target in the passing game.
Not many expected Loveland to be the first tight end off the board. That was supposed to be Penn State's Tyler Warren. But the Bears ultimately decided that Loveland was a better fit than Warren.
The Basics
- Position: Tight end
- College: Michigan
- Draft Day Age: 21.05 years old,
- Height: 6'6"
- Weight: 248 lbs
- Arms: 32.75"
- Hands: 10.0"
Strengths
In addition to putting up big numbers as a receiver, Loveland has experience that will serve him well as he translates to the NFL. As a member of the Michigan Wolverines, Loveland played under the bright lights of the College Football Playoff in 2023 and 2024. That included defeating Rome Odunze and the Washington Huskies in the National Championship in 2024. Having that type of high-stakes experience will help Loveland once he's in the NFL. If the Bears find themselves in a playoff situation, Loveland should have what it takes to stay composed.
Loveland has the tools needed to change games offensively. Whether it's making life easier on quarterback Caleb Williams or finding space in the end zone, he will be able to help Chicago score points. His statistics from the 2024 season aren't eye-popping, but the level of quarterback play wasn't acceptable. The previous year, with first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Loveland averaged over 14 yards per catch on a championship-winning squad. He will be great with Williams, who was drafted nine picks higher than McCarthy.
Weaknesses
Loveland is not going to be Rob Gronkowski in terms of a two-way tight end. He can go out for passes and make things difficult on opposing defenses when it comes to guarding him, but Loveland won't be heavily relied on as a blocking tight end. Whether it's run protection or pass, they are more likely to go in a different direction unless he develops that part of his game at a high rate in the coming years.
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Fit with the Bears
Loveland will serve as a 1-2 punch at tight end with Cole Kmet, who's under contract through the 2027 season. Ben Johnson has been an incredibly creative offensive mind, and now he will bring that to Chicago. Although this was a surprising pick, that will be met with mixed reviews, it won't be at all surprising if Johnson finds a way to turn Loveland into a superstar. Expect to see plenty of two tight end sets with Kmet and Loveland, which is Johnson's specialty. With DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and D'Andre Swift on the roster, it's now a solid group of weapons for Caleb Williams as he enters his sophomore season.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears draft Colston Loveland in first round: Fit, scouting report
Continue reading...
