How The Colston Loveland Vs. Tyler Warren Debate Just Turned In The Bears’ Favor

Throughout the lead-up to the 2025 NFL draft, most experts believed the tight end rankings were set. Penn State’s Tyler Warren was the clear #1, displaying a perfect blend of pass-catching prowess and standout blocking. Michigan’s Colston Loveland was far more the former, showcasing a great mix of route-running and strong hands. Most agreed he had more upside on the receiving end, but was held back by his blocking. If the Chicago Bears had their choice with the 10th overall pick, it would be Warren.

So imagine everybody’s surprise when the team went with Loveland instead. Subsequent reports indicated that head coach Ben Johnson became smitten with the tight end after meeting him at the Michigan pro day. Combine that with his immense pass-catching upside, and the Bears were willing to roll the dice that he would have more value despite the supposed blocking concerns. Based on the new tight end rankings from Pro Football Focus, that decision was the correct one.

5. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears

After a quiet start to his rookie campaign, Loveland really turned it on in the second half of the season. The No. 10 overall pick’s 84.0 PFF grade was third among all tight ends in the NFL, while his 1.97 yards per route run were fifth. Loveland’s 597 receiving yards from Week 9 on were second in the league, while his 193 yards in the playoffs led all tight ends despite the Bears losing in the divisional round.

10. Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts

Warren was selected No. 14 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and immediately showed why in his rookie campaign. His 487 yards after the catch were second in the league to Trey McBride, while his 817 total receiving yards placed fifth. A total of 42 of Warren’s receptions went for either a first down or a touchdown, the fourth-most in the league.

Colston Loveland beat out Warren with patience.

Warren got off to an incredibly hot start last season. Through the first ten games, he had 613 yards and three touchdowns. Everybody was already proclaiming that Chicago had made a big mistake. Then things cooled off. Warren managed just 200 yards and one touchdown over the final seven games of the season. By contrast, Loveland was the opposite. He was quiet through the first six games, managing just 116 yards. Everything changed in Cincinnati. Over the final 10 games, the rookie had 597 yards and six touchdowns. He added another 193 yards in the two playoff games.

The season seems to showcase both players’ strengths and weaknesses. Warren was an excellent, versatile weapon, but he seemed to lack that elite playmaking ability that forced defenses to account for him. Much of his success came from great scheming and his run-after-the-catch prowess. On the other hand, Loveland’s mix of speed, size, and route-running made him a matchup nightmare. Even worse for Warren? His blocking proved to be considerably better than advertised.

This debate harkens back to 2006.

That year saw two tight ends go in the 1st round as well. You had Marcedes Lewis, the traditional archetype. Big, strong, outstanding blocker, and athletic enough to be a consistent factor in the passing game. Then you had Vernon Davis, an elite athlete with blazing speed but undersized and limited blocking. It was the same situation. The well-rounded guy who was good at everything vs. the guy who was great at one thing and okay at everything else. Lewis had the longer career, playing a whopping 20 years in the NFL, including a Pro Bowl in 2010. Davis, though, was more productive. He had 1400 more yards than Lewis and 23 more touchdowns, making two Pro Bowls and winning the Super Bowl in 2015.

Don’t be surprised if Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren play out a similar way. Both will have great careers. Warren may have the longer one, but Loveland will have the higher peak. Chicago should be happy with that outcome. After all, the higher the peak, the greater the odds of a player helping his team win a championship.