For the most part, it's been nothing but positive buzz around tight end Colston Loveland since the Chicago Bears made him the 10th overall pick in April's draft. There's definitely room for he and veteran tight end Cole Kmet to co-exist in head coach Ben Johnson's offense, despite the easy idea Kmet is on borrowed time as a Bear due to Loveland's presence.
Loveland should be medically cleared before training camp. But it cannot be forgotten how he has missed valuable practice time during offseason work as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery.
When asked about rookie wide receiver Luther Burden's injury-related absence from OTAs, Johnson could not sugarcoat the impact of that missed on-field work. While he was not the subject of the question, what Johnson said also applies to Loveland.
"Anytime you're not out there, if you're in the training room when the rest of the guys are practicing, you're losing valuable time, Johnson said. "Valuable time with your coaches, valuable reps with your teammates, the ability to build the trust that we're talking about. It's not just the coaching staff having trust in you doing the right thing over and over, but it's also your teammates. They've got to be out there, they've got to see you do it. They've got to know that the guys to the right and left of them are going to do the right things and make the right plays when called upon."
This side of the quarterback, the tight end, is the most challenging position for a rookie to transition to in the NFL. Tight ends have to know the entire offense, including pass routes, blocking schemes, and the whole enchilada.
Of course, there's room to be used most optimally, i.e., lining up in the slot or out wide to maximize impact as a pass catcher while minimizing the lumps that may be taken as a blocker, but the learning curve for a rookie tight end is steep. Mental reps are essential, but they only go so far.
Analyst acknowledges potential downside for Colston Loveland as a rookie
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report has put Loveland on his list of six 2025 first-round picks with potential to disappoint this season.
"Loveland suffered an AC joint separation during the 2024 campaign. He missed two games but did play through the injury for a period. Once the season ended and draft preparation ramped up, the tight end required surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder and reconstruct the AC joint capsule.
"After not participating during the on-field portions of rookie camp, organized team activities or mandatory minicamp, the current timeline places Loveland on the field by the start of training camp."
"His onboarding into the offense will take some time. Tight end is already a notoriously slow-developing position because of how it has to be engaged in the passing game with an understanding of all blocking and protection schemes. Time missed now, while slowly working Loveland into the mix during training camp and possibly the preseason, will have an effect on his ability to contribute as a rookie, particularly during the first half of the regular season."
"The Bears can fall back on veteran Cole Kmet, while the coaching staff finds ways to eventually implement Loveland into the gameplan. Once up to speed, Chicago will add this year's top tight end prospect. It's going to take time, though."
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The quickest way for Loveland's rookie season to be tabbed as a disappointment will be if he doesn't put up notable numbers as a pass catcher. It's fair to assume he will need some early-season runway to get up to speed after missing OTAs, but as the season goes on he could assert himself as a core piece of the Bears' offense until further notice. Ultimately, if he does start slowly, that progress will be what matters the most,