Colston Loveland Has Reportedly Been Even Better Than Everyone Thought

Being a top 10 pick in the NFL draft always comes with certain expectations. Anything beyond that comes from what the player manages to showcase during his development. Chicago Bears fans weren't sure how to feel about Colston Loveland. He wasn't one of the hottest names going into the draft, partly because he's a tight end and partly because many experts didn't see him as the best at his position. So for the Bears to take him 10th overall felt like a gamble less on a proven track record and more on physical upside.

Such risks don't usually go well for this organization.

Still, head coach Ben Johnson felt the young man had everything necessary to become a superstar. Sure, a lot of it was his unique mix of size, speed, and hands. However, there was also his veteran-like savvy as a route-runner and remarkable maturity. He worked like a professional. The Bears felt he would be a natural fit in Johnson's offense. Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns of CHGO have seen him up close for weeks. Both stated without preamble that the Bears may have actually undersold the young tight end.

Adam Hoge: I haven’t felt this good about a Bears first-round pick since linebacker Roquan Smith in 2018. And even in that case, Smith was “holding in” while his rookie contract was finalized. Loveland was slightly limited to start camp, but has answered every opportunity he has received. His play strength looks good, his blocking has been less of a concern than I anticipated, and he already runs routes like a veteran.

Adam Jahns: I appreciate that the Bears aren’t wasting time with his development. That might sound like a joke but it’s not. He’s not playing behind Stephen Carlson or Joel Wilson. He’s on the field with Cole Kmet in 12 personnel and catching passes from Caleb Williams, Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent. He’s quickly turned into one of the Bears’ more imposing offensive players, earning praise from veterans like Keenum.

Colston Loveland can be a rare difference-maker.

While people love to downplay the importance of tight ends, the reality is so different. Teams that have great ones tend to win a lot in this league. Travis Kelce has three championship rings. George Kittle has helped San Francisco to two Super Bowl appearances. Rob Gronkowski has four rings. Sam LaPorta got Detroit to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert both won championships in Philadelphia. When you have a playmaking tight end, it gives defenses nightmares. Colston Loveland has that level of capability. His size makes it impossible for defensive backs to outmuscle him, and he's too fast for linebackers. Now you're putting him in the hands of one of the most creative play callers in the NFL. If the excitement isn't there yet, it should be soon enough.