Over the course of the offseason and through training camp, one of the hottest names in NFL circles, when it comes to the 2026 season, is Chicago Bears second-year tight end Colston Loveland.
Whether you're talking fantasy circles or real-world conversations, Loveland has seen himself launched onto a fastrack to superstardom, and for good reason.
As the Bears open against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, though, Loveland will have himself quite the test.
Panthers inside linebackers Devin Lloyd and Bobby Okereke are newcomers in Carolina, signed this past offseason to help shore up the defense. The Panthers are hoping to see both of them pay off right away as they try to defend one of the league's top tight ends in Loveland.
Colston Loveland draws a tough Week 1 matchup vs. the Panthers linebackers
We know how good Loveland is and how much he'll factor into Ben Johnson's offense. It is no secret that the Bears shifted their entire offensive scheme to feature Loveland over everybody else in the passing game late last year.
Just take a look at his 25 targets between the two playoff games, and that should be more than enough evidence.
On Carolina's side, though, they're about as ready as any team could be to try and defend Loveland, but nobody seems to be mentioning it.
Of the two backers, Lloyd was more prolific against the pass, but both graded out positively via Pro Football Focus last season. Lloyd, most impressively, was given the fourth-highest coverage grade among linebackers at 80.2.
But, the numbers also back up the PFF rating.
Last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lloyd notched seven pass breakups and a startling five interceptions, including one returned for a 99-yard touchdown.
There's a lot to unpack in just that one sentence, alone. Five interceptions for a linebacker is nothing to sneeze at, and having the speed to take it back 99 yards for a score? You've got my attention.
Lloyd absolutely has the speed to keep up with Loveland, and he has a nose for the football, too.
Just for good measure, let's also point out that Lloyd allowed 33 completions on 47 targets in 2025. At first glance, that's not a great ratio. However, take a look at his opposing quarterback rating of just 57.1, and you can gather that Lloyd was tight in coverage most of the time, not allowing many big plays in the passing game.
Back to Okereke, who the Bears shouldn't overlook in this department either. Last season, Okereke had six pass breakups and two picks with the Giants while allowing a quarterback rating of 84.8. He also allowed only two touchdowns in 624 coverage snaps.
This doesn't mean Loveland will be completely shut down. Last year, against Lloyd's Jaguars defense, Trey McBride went for nine catches and 79 yards. Elite talent will typically win out.
But Loveland will be tested in this one. If it's either an inside linebacker on him or man coverage, he'll have his work cut out for him. It is going to be a battle. And if Loveland comes out having had a strong performance, that's just one more reason to keep the hype going behind the former Michigan standout.
How strong would the performance need to be for us to rev up the hype train even further?
Let's roll with a prediction, shall we?
Read more: 3 underrated Panthers that could wreck the Bears in Week 1
To keep the hype train rolling: seven receptions on 11 targets for 96 yards and a touchdown.
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