When it was time for the Chicago Bears to make their selection in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many Bears fans expected Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, an All-American and a Mackey Award winner for the nation's best tight end, to be drafted.
Instead, the Chicago Bears' selection of Colston Loveland 10th overall has sparked excitement and skepticism among fans. What the Bears fans need to take into consideration is the age difference between Warren and Loveland. Loveland just turned 21 on April 9, while Warren turns 23 on May 24. There is a two-year age difference. Comparing both players' production by their age tells a different story.
I see people referencing stats in the Warren vs Loveland debate, but they're not including ages
— Nick Whalen (@_NickWhalen) April 25, 2025
Receiving yards:
18 yrs old
Loveland = 235 yds
Warren = 0 yds
19 yrs old
Loveland = 649 yds
Warren = 61 yds
20 yrs old
Loveland = 582 yds
Warren = 123 yds
21 yrs old
Loveland =… pic.twitter.com/LMZs8Wwmq3
Loveland will be 23 in his third season, whereas Warren will be 25. You can bet general manager Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson considered that seriously. Loveland's production suffered after Michigan started three different quarterbacks after J.J. McCarthy left for the NFL and while playing with a shoulder injury last season. Loveland already had surgery and will be ready for contact in the training camp.
Before becoming the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, Ben Johnson was a tight ends coach with the Miami Dolphins in 2015 and held the same position with the Lions in 2020. During his tenure with the Lions, he played a pivotal role in developing standout tight ends like T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta, a player that Loveland is drawing an NFL comparison to.
Loveland brings a unique blend of size, athleticism, and ball skills to the Bears' offense. He can separate from defenders and run routes better than some wide receivers and make plays. Johnson has already expressed his intention to utilize Loveland similarly to how he used LaPorta in Detroit, creating mismatches and exploiting defensive weaknesses.
As soon as Loveland was selected, social media was buzzing over the future of Cole Kmet. After being an afterthought under Matt Nagy and Matt Eberflus, he should excel under Johnson because Johnson runs the 12 personnel, with two tight ends on the field, which he ran 32.2% of the offensive snaps. After Johnson stated that Kmet should play a prominent role in 2025, Kmet is not getting traded or released as soon as the draft is done.
While some question the decision to draft Loveland over other highly-touted prospects, Bears fans must trust Johnson's vision for the team. Now is not the time for the fans to suddenly change their tune on Johnson.