Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland didn't make the greatest first impression on the Windy City, but there are no more doubts about the former 10th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Loveland proved to be one of the top rookies in the NFL last year as he emerged late in the season as Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' favorite target, as he led the team in targets in each of the last four games of the season. While many know how good he was, another new stat has come out proving how spectacular it was.
Pro Football Network shared the drop rate of rookie pass catchers in the last three years, with Loveland coming in first with 1.2%. He went for 713 yards and six touchdowns, both stats leading the Bears in 2025.
Colston Loveland's rookie season continues to look more and more impressive
The expectations for Loveland entering the 2026 season are much higher after seeing what he did last year. It appeared that he was able to catch pretty much every ball that was thrown his way.
That will be important for the Bears, as the wide receiver room is going through some changes, with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden II as the top two guys, but WR3 is completely up in the air among Kalif Raymond, Jahdae Walker, and Zavion Thomas. Loveland will have to play a bigger role and be Williams' more reliable target, while the Bears are going through some growing pains with their receivers.
Chicago will also have some competition going on at Loveland's position as well, between Cole Kmet and Sam Roush fighting for targets and snaps in 2026. Loveland should still be the number one guy on the depth chart, but he might have to rotate between Kmet and Roush.
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Despite all the changes to the offense, Loveland's role is going to be increased, and the Bears need him to step up in a big way.
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