Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland was recently named the number nine rookie in the league, according to ESPN. Though he may not be the top tight end on the list, let's break down how Colston Loveland has made an impact on the Bears and what that could mean for the Ben Johnson era moving forward.
Loveland was selected 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and joined a Bears team ripe with expectation. After the 2024 Bears' campaign fell short and Matt Eberflus was fired, general manager Ryan Poles needed to piece together his team mid-rebuild. With a reliable tight end in Cole Kmet already on the roster, many Bears fans were surprised when Poles selected Loveland.
ESPN's Jordan Reid broke down his assessment of Loveland's rookie season in the article mentioned above.
"After a slow start to his rookie campaign, Loveland has quickly become one of the best young tight ends in the league. In coach Ben Johnson's offense -- one prone to use multiple-tight-end sets -- Loveland has been a security blanket for quarterback Caleb Williams. Loveland's most impressive trait has been his ability to gain yards after the catch, as he averages 2.5 yards after contact per reception (second among all tight ends)."
Early Returns on Rookie Impact
Hindsight is 20/20, and it makes perfect sense now why the Bears were after Loveland. In one fell swoop, the addition of Loveland to the roster bolstered the offensive line while providing young quarterback Caleb Williams with another reliable reception target.
The chemistry between Loveland and Williams has been immediately evident, with the two connecting for 31 receptions on 44 targets. That's a 70% reception rate, and given Williams' accuracy issues this season, reliable receivers are essential. Only Luther Burden III has a higher reception rate with Williams; however, the sample size is smaller.
Through Week 13, Loveland has logged three touchdowns, including the game-winner back in Week 9. Loveland's average yards is also high for the Bears, posting an average of 13.1 yards per catch. That's only .1 behind receiver DJ Moore, and just under two yards behind Rome Odunze. For a tight end who is no stranger to blocking, Loveland's receiving abilities have been exceptional, outstripping veteran tight end Cole Kmet in nearly every margin.
Loveland is sure to be a vital part of the Bears' offense as Ben Johnson looks to lead his team to its first division title since 2018. ESPN's Matt Bowen added it in the same article that Loveland might also play a vital part in the team's postseason run.
"Loveland has emerged as a matchup target for Caleb Williams in Ben Johnson's offensive system. Over his past five games, Loveland has caught 20 of 26 targets for 290 yards and three scores.
The rookie tight end can work the middle of the field on seams and in-breakers, plus Johnson will isolate Loveland in the red zone. This allows Loveland to use his foot quickness and frame to beat man coverage, which will be extremely important in the postseason."
Ben Johnson has been intelligent with his play designs, and his scheme is well known for incorporating two tight ends. With Loveland and Kmet, the Bears' tight end room is in excellent shape, and the Bears will need it.
Read more: Good, Better, Best: Bears' long and bumpy climb towards January supremacy
Chicago fans are excited to see their young players do well, but they're even more excited to see their team win in January. With difficult matchups ahead, Chicago will need every reliable weapon it has, and Colston Loveland has no problems stepping up when called upon.