The Chicago Bears had an impressive 2025 season, where they saw contributions from some new rookie weapons, including first-round tight end Colston Loveland.
There was plenty of criticism in the immediate aftermath of the selection, with many draft pundits believing that Chicago should’ve selected Tyler Warren as the top tight end, but head coach Ben Johnson proved why he made the choice of Loveland, and made the most of it down the stretch of the season.
Loveland set NFL playoff records for most receiving yards (137) by a rookie tight end in history against the Green Bay Packers, making most of his impact later in the season. Loveland finished the regular season as the team’s leading receiver with 58 receptions and 713 yards, adding in six touchdowns, which was tied for the team lead.
Recently, Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano listed five rookies who will make a big leap in their sophomore season and had Loveland ranked as second on the list.
The 6′ 6″, 241-pound Loveland has Jimmy Graham-like size and athleticism, with reliable hands that resemble Travis Kelce,” Manzano said. “However, Loveland had quiet stretches during his rookie season, recording 58 catches for 713 yards and six touchdowns. For comparison, Warren finished with 76 receptions for 817 yards and four touchdowns.
But, again, it said plenty that Williams often turned to Loveland in clutch moments, especially in the playoffs. The Bears were right to roll the dice on his upside based on what Loveland showed in his dominant Week 9 performance against the Bengals, when he recorded six catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning 58-yard score with 17 seconds left in regulation.
Loveland added a whole new element to the Bears offense, and Johnson has proven he can do incredible work with young tight ends, as he did with Sam LaPorta during their time together with the Detroit Lions. Coming off a rookie season where he put the league on notice, the next step for Loveland will be to establish himself as one of the very best at his position, an opportunity that is there for the taking.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears TE Colston Loveland projected to make big leap in Year 2
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
