The Chicago Bears are preparing to open the 2025 season with a new-look offense under head coach Ben Johnson, and rookie tight end Colston Loveland is anticipated to become a focal point of the offense.
Selected with the No. 10 pick in April’s draft, Loveland has already impressed both Johnson and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle with his work ethic, maturity, and skill set.
Bears Rookie Colston Loveland Earning High Praise Ahead of Season Opener
Getty.Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland.
Doyle highlighted Loveland’s eagerness to learn as one of the key traits that set him apart early in his rookie season. From the moment he joined the Bears, Loveland has shown a relentless drive to absorb the playbook and understand every detail of Johnson’s offense.
“First and foremost is he came in very serious about learning the scheme, learning the ins and outs of everything,” Doyle said. “He’s an eager guy; a guy that’s texting [tight ends coach Jim] Dray: ‘Can I get the installs?’ He just wants more information. He absorbs all of it. That’s the biggest thing. He does a really good job of learning it.”
Doyle added that while Loveland’s commitment to preparation has stood out, his skill set is exactly why Chicago made him a top-10 selection. “And then obviously the skill set, why he’s here, we really enjoyed that. Watching that in college and seeing a lot of the same things here.”
The Bears‘ coaching staff believes they have found a player who not only fits the culture but also has the tools to elevate the offense immediately.
Ben Johnson’s Vision for Loveland and Cole Kmet
Johnson has never been shy about the importance of tight ends in his offensive system. In Detroit, he helped turn Sam LaPorta into one of the league’s most dynamic weapons during his rookie year, guiding the Lions‘ offense to new heights.
The comparisons between LaPorta and Loveland have been made since draft night, and Johnson himself seems confident the rookie can carve out a similar impact. “We’re cooking with hot grease now,” he told the young tight end. “You’re exactly what we’re looking for.”
In fact, one executive went as far as to say Loveland surpasses LaPorta and becomes one of the premier tight ends in the NFL.
“Loveland is going to catch a million balls. He will be better than (Sam) LaPorta. He is such a good receiver, and he’s bigger — two inches taller and another 10 pounds.” It’s a bold prediction; if anyone can help Loveland reach that status, it’s Johnson.
But he isn’t the only featured tight end in Chicago.
Paired with veteran Cole Kmet, the Bears believe they may have one of the top tight end tandems in the NFL. Given that the Lions used two-tight end sets on more than 30% of their offensive snaps, the expectation is that Johnson will feature similar personnel packages in Chicago.
But it’s not just the coaches who have praised Loveland. Kmet has also been impressed with how quickly Loveland has transitioned to the physical demands of the NFL.
“He brings good physicality in the run game,” Kmet said. “That’s not easy to do as a rookie coming into the league. I know how it was for me at first, but he handles his own, that’s for sure.”
As the Bears prepare for the start of the season, Loveland is expected to play a major role. But with his work ethic, there’s no telling how good he can be in Year 1.
Bears’ “Eager” Rookie Receives Glowing Praise Ahead of Debut