At the start of every NFL season, there is almost always an unknown player who comes out of nowhere and surprises everyone with their game changing talent. This season, that player just might be Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland.
Loveland, a national champion and All-American at Michigan, has all the tools and intangibles necessary to make a name for himself in the NFL. Don't be surprised if he's in the running for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award come Thanksgiving.
As of this writing, Loveland's odds to win the award (+3500) make him a clear underdog. To the average NFL fan, it might not seem very smart to root for a tight end to be crowned rookie of the year. But in recent NFL seasons, it's become more logical of a prediction.
In 2023, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta finished third in voting, losing the award to Houston Texans rookie quarterback sensation C.J. Stroud. The following season, Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, a prodigy at the position, came in second place. Only Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was able to best him for the prestigious award.
Can Loveland repeat history and finish as a top candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year like LaPorta and Bowers? There's a real chance he can pull it off thanks to one man: Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
How Johnson can help Loveland earn the top rookie award in the NFL
Johnson was LaPorta's offensive coordinator for his first two seasons in the NFL, helping the rookie out of the University of Iowa become a rising star while setting the record for most receptions by a rookie tight end with 86 (this record was broken by Bowers the following year). Johnson has a history of getting the most out of his players and putting them in situations where their skills can shine. Why would it be any different with Loveland?
Often, an award given to the best rookie quarterback, tight ends have also won the Rookie of the Year award in the past. In fact, the last tight end to win rookie of the year was Mike Ditka with the Chicago Bears in 1961.
One hurdle Loveland will have to jump is the talent around him. With dynamic threats like DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III, he might struggle to find a footing on offense. He will also have to contend for snaps with tight end Cole Kmet, which would diminish his opportunity for targets significantly. At the same time, however, all of this could play in his favor.
For starters, Johnson loves using tight ends in the passing game, and with so much talent at the skill position, someone is going to win their matchup and get open. As defenses key in on Moore and others, Loveland could get open early and often.
There is a realistic scenario this season where Loveland becomes a key contributor to Caleb Williams' progression as a quarterback and becomes his safety valve as a sure-handed tight end. If this happens, expect Loveland to put up significant numbers.
Currently, Loveland is projected to finish the year with 47 receptions for 501 yards and four touchdowns, per CBS Sports. Loveland could easily exceed these expectations in a Ben Johnson-led offense.
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It will be interesting to see how Loveland is utilized during the Bears' season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.