College Coaches Had Tons To Say About The Colston Loveland Pick

We've heard about the Chicago Bears' selection of Colston Loveland for two weeks now. Everybody has weighed in, from anonymous scouts and executives to national draft experts and the Bears brass themselves. One final group that hasn't had their voices heard at this point is the ones who witnessed Loveland's ability first-hand. Few people understand the strengths and weaknesses of the young tight end more than college coaches. They had to game plan against him, devouring hours and hours of tape.

If anybody is qualified to offer a take on his strengths and weaknesses, it's them. Adam Rittenberg of ESPN reached out across college football to get a sense of what coaches thought about the draft. One of the biggest points of interest was the Bears' decision to take Loveland over Penn State's Tyler Warren. Many felt the latter was the more well-rounded player, a good pass-catcher and capable blocker. Some coaches felt the same way. However, there was an undercurrent of belief that Michigan's ugly QB situation masked how good Loveland really is.

He has a capability that is rare.

Many expected Penn State's Tyler Warren to be the first tight end drafted, but the Chicago Bears bypassed the Mackey Award winner in favor of Michigan's Colston Loveland at No. 10. Loveland had 649 receiving yards for Michigan's 2023 national championship team, then led the squad last season with 56 receptions -- a record for Wolverines tight ends -- as one of few bright spots for a passing game that ranked 130th nationally.

"The quarterback play [in 2024] kind of killed him, he didn't have anybody to throw him the ball," a Big Ten defensive coordinator said. "But I think he's pretty special. He's more of a receiving tight end, where Tyler can kind of do it all. Two good ones, though. No doubt about it."

Another Big Ten coordinator said the Loveland-Warren question comes down to "personal preference."

"Warren's more of hard-nosed, tough, physical, along with being a good receiving threat," the coach said. "Loveland's a little bit more of a better receiver, a little less blocking. I don't know if it was the injury or what this year, but they didn't really use him a ton to block. So is it he can't do it, or he was banged up? Penn State's guy is a little bit more of a complete player."

Colston Loveland fits the exact role the Bears need.

Blocking isn't the issue. They have Cole Kmet and Durham Smythe to handle those duties. They've needed a truly explosive threat at tight end for a long time. Greg Olsen was the last one to fit that description. He was unceremoniously traded in 2011 because then-offensive coordinator Mike Martz couldn't think up ways to use him. Olsen went on to make multiple Pro Bowls in Carolina, helping them reach Super Bowl 50. There will be no such concerns with Ben Johnson in charge. He loves featuring his tight ends, and Colston Loveland is the perfect instrument for his plans.

It was never about liking Loveland way more than Warren. Everything came down to fit. The rookie is something the Bears didn't have. They wanted it. Simple as that.