Bleacher Report recently reviewed each first-round rookie and projected their initial expectations heading into training camp. As expected, they didn’t set the bar too high for Colston Loveland right out of the gate.
“The Bears already have an established tight end in Cole Kmet, who has nearly 2,600 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in five seasons. Plus, Loveland is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, so the Bears would be smart to ease the rookie into the rotation. That said, Ben Johnson is expected to lean heavily on 12 personnel with Kmet and Loveland in the fold, so the Michigan product will still have a role in the offense this fall.”
The question is whether this assessment is just realistic — or a little too modest.
Looking at Loveland's rookie season in 2025
Yes, Loveland is recovering from an injury, but there has been little indication that it will significantly slow him down. And while Cole Kmet will almost certainly start the season and play more because he’s a better blocker and fully NFL-ready, there’s still a strong chance for Loveland to make a significant impact as a rookie.
We’re talking about a top-10 pick, and one of the main reasons Loveland went that high is his ability to contribute immediately as a passing-game threat. Ben Johnson already proved with Sam LaPorta in Detroit that he can maximize a rookie tight end’s receiving potential, so it’s fair to expect a meaningful role for Loveland in the Bears’ passing attack.
On paper, it’s fair to call Loveland the No. 2 tight end to start the year. But without the proper context, that label undersells him since he’s likely to have specific packages and plays designed for him right away.
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Perhaps a more accurate way to describe his role is this: a second tight end who’s featured in specific packages and used as a creative, situational weapon.