The Chicago Bears drafting Colston Loveland in the 1st round drew mixed reviews from fans in attendance. He wasn’t one of the flashiest names that had built up tons of hype before the draft. He doesn’t play a “premium” position. Many didn’t even think he was the best tight end on the board. That label went to Tyler Warren of Penn State. Even so, GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson were locked into him for weeks, feeling he was the perfect fit for the new offense they were building.
Scouts saw former Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowler Todd Heap. Johnson saw Sam LaPorta, whom he coached to the Pro Bowl in Detroit. It was easy to see why the Bears gravitated to him. In situations like this, the best reaction to help gauge a pick comes from what people inside the NFL itself think. Bob McGinn of Go Long TD spent weeks gathering information on the top tight ends. It didn’t take long to learn that Loveland had many, many fans around the scouting community.
They think the Bears just got a stud.
“He’s a real fine football player,” said a second scout. “Just a dynamic athlete. He can get open on his own. Sudden, route runner, savvy, run after the catch, confident catcher. Not quite as big as Warren so his impact at the point of attack won’t be quite the same but he’ll fight his ass off. Really liked his football temperament. He’s a high-energy player. Really an excellent contested catcher. Likes to post up and take contact and finish the catch.” His 56 receptions in 2024 established a Michigan record for tight ends. “I wish he had a better quarterback throwing to him,” a third scout said. “Gets excellent separation and can adjust around his frame. More of a weapon in the pass game but can contribute in the run game.”
Colston Loveland will remind Bears fans of Greg Olsen.
Their builds and athleticism are almost identical. Olsen was a difference-maker for the Bears during their last playoff victory in the 2010 season, sparking their win over Seattle. To this day, fans believe trading him was the biggest blunder the franchise has made in the past few decades. Colston Loveland has a chance to finally exorcise those demons. He can be the same caliber receiving target Olsen was, while also being a much stronger blocker. Unlike Olsen, he will have an outstanding play-caller like Johnson guiding his development. If the scouts are right, the Bears offense has become so much harder to defend.
It can’t always be about flash. Sometimes, you have to do what makes the most sense for your preferred vision. Loveland is the perfect fit.
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