The Chicago Bears didn’t hesitate on draft night, selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. While he has yet to play a snap in the NFL, it’s time to offer an early evaluation—just like every other pick the Bears make this year. This is a way-too-early draft grade, but I’ll keep it simple: here’s what I like (and don’t like) about the pick and the player. Let’s dive in.
Bears fans, meet Colston Loveland
— Dave (@dave_bfr) April 25, 2025
pic.twitter.com/oLHuj2vyGR
What I Like About the Bears Drafting Colston Loveland
First off, Colston Loveland is the best receiving tight end in this draft class—hands down. Honestly, he’s a better pass-catcher than quite a few of the wide receivers that came off the board. He’s a perfect fit for new Bears head coach Ben Johnson’s offense, and as long as he’s healthy, Loveland can contribute from day one.
Another thing that stands out: his age. He just turned 21 on April 9th, which means he’s still incredibly young but already a proven playmaker. This wasn’t a one-season flash—Loveland was productive even after J.J. McCarthy left Michigan, despite inconsistent quarterback play. His versatility is another plus. He can line up just about anywhere—inline, in the slot, or out wide—and that gives Caleb Williams yet another dynamic weapon. He is a very underrated blocker.
"No block, no rock." - Ben Johnson
— Dave (@dave_bfr) April 25, 2025
Colston Loveland is gonna fit right in
pic.twitter.com/B06dXG8uuD
He also pairs nicely with Cole Kmet. Johnson now has two versatile tight ends to deploy in creative ways. And the ceiling? Loveland’s upside is really high.
Bears are set at TE:
— Dave (@dave_bfr) April 25, 2025
26-year-old Cole Kmet (6'6", 262 lbs)
21-year-old Colston Loveland (6'6", 248 lbs)
Caleb Williams has two giant weapons.
What I Don’t Like About the Bears Drafting Colston Loveland
Let’s be honest—it takes two teams to make a trade, but I don’t think the Bears had a legitimate partner to move down a few spots and still land Loveland. Ideally, you’d want to trade back a bit and still get your guy, but that may not have been an option this year. Staying at 10 and taking Loveland might’ve been the only real play.
My biggest concern, though, is the injury history. Maybe it’s the Kevin White PTSD talking, but Loveland has had some recent medical issues that raise eyebrows. He missed three games (and parts of others) in the 2024 season due to a right shoulder injury. That same shoulder required AC joint surgery in January 2025. He also missed the Michigan-Ohio State game because of a concussion in November.
Now, reports say he’s on track to be ready for training camp—but if the injuries pile up, that upside we mentioned starts to matter a lot less.
Final (Way-Too-Early) Draft Grade
The Bears added a weapon—one that Ben Johnson clearly wanted. Colston Loveland has the talent to become a matchup nightmare in the NFL and will help accelerate Caleb Williams development. As long as he stays healthy, this pick has the potential to be a home run. Caleb continues to get richer, and the Bears offense gets that much more dangerous.
Grade: A
Chicago Bears Colston Loveland: Next Superstar TE?
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