Some Chicago Bears fans still aren't completely sold on the Colston Loveland pick, and that's fine.
If he even comes close to living up to this latest expert's prediction, there is not a single Bears fan on the planet who won't be all aboard the Loveland train.
Former NFL quarterback, now analyst, Dan Orlovsky was included in ESPN's latest rookie prediction column and he made a pretty bold pick for his Offensive Rookie of the Year: Loveland.
Colston Loveland predicted to follow in Brock Bowers' footsteps as a rookie
"Let's go with a tight end winning this award for a second straight year. The middle of the field and play-action should be huge areas of attack for Chicago.
"Loveland can replicate Sam LaPorta's rookie year production, which Bears coach Ben Johnson played a big role in scheming up while in Detroit," Orlovsky wrote.
That's a heck of a prediction for Loveland. Following the likes of Brock Bowers, the 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, would be completely unexpected from this fan base. I think Bears fans would be thrilled if Loveland even scratched the surface of a Sam LaPorta, to be frank.
That's not even to say Loveland isn't capable, either. This offense will have plenty of mouths to feed, unlike the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Between Loveland, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden and Cole Kmet, quarterback Caleb Williams has a loaded arsenal.
Last season, Bowers saw a whopping 153 targets and ended with 112 receptions for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns.
Do we anticipate Loveland garnering that type of attention from the jump? It would be pretty shocking to see such high volume, especially considering Moore saw 140 targets last year, himself.
For Loveland to reach that level, where he's in consideration for Rookie of the Year, I'd assume that means Kmet takes a large step back in terms of receiving production. Along with that, players like Odunze and Burden will see sporadic highs and lows from week to week. Their usage won't be as consistent if Loveland and Moore are the focal points.