Ian Rapoport revealed some fascinating information shortly after the draft. Apparently, a lot of trade buzz was happening as the top 10 neared its end. Teams were believed to be making calls to move up for tight end Colston Loveland. That was soon confirmed when the Bears took him 10th overall and the calls abruptly stopped. That was the first indication that Chicago may have gotten a good player. What wasn't known was which teams made those calls. There was only speculation.
Until now.
The Carolina Panthers released new footage from their draft. They held the 8th overall pick. Other teams were calling them about moving up to that spot, but one was far more aggressive than the others: the Los Angeles Rams. They sat at #26, meaning they must've really wanted a certain player. It is now believed Loveland was that guy. Two reasons make that case. L.A. tried to move up last year for Georgia standout Brock Bowers but failed. Then, after the Bears grabbed Loveland, they still took a tight end in the 2nd round.
In the end, Carolina's asking price was too high.
L.A. wanting a player is a great sign for the Bears with Colston Loveland.
Rams GM Les Snead is one of the best in the NFL at identifying talent. In 2016, he traded up in the 1st round to acquire Jared Goff, who became a Pro Bowler. He also flipped 1st rounders for Jalen Ramsey and Matthew Stafford. Both proved critical to the Rams' Super Bowl victory in 2021. Bowers ended up having the best season by a rookie tight end in NFL history. If Snead and head coach Sean McVay wanted Colston Loveland that badly, it tells you they saw the same thing Ben Johnson did. The young man has superstar potential. Los Angeles never gets aggressive like that unless they're sure they are getting a stud. Loveland will have his first chance to prove them right later this fall.
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