When the Chicago Bears selected University of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it raised eyebrows across the league.
Many draft experts had Penn State tight end Tyler Warren being drafted by the Bears. But for head coach Ben Johnson, the pick made perfect sense. Loveland is a player who mirrors tight end Sam LaPorta, who was drafted in the second round by the Detroit Lions in 2023 and has had productive seasons under Johnson.
LaPorta’s rookie season was electric—86 catches, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns. He followed that up with another strong campaign, a respectable 60-catch, 726-yard, seven-touchdown season, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top young tight ends.
However, Loveland suffered a Type V AC joint dislocation in his right shoulder in Week 3 against Arkansas State last season. He had already undergone surgery back in January, and as a result, his OTAs and minicamps were limited to mental reps and studying the playbook. He was unable to participate fully in on-field drills.
While still dealing with apprehensions about his shoulder, Loveland has been a full participant since the training camp started. And on the first day of practice with full pads on, he displayed a rare mix of size and speed that made him a 10th overall pick.
Colston Loveland made a great high catch in 7 on 7s on a throw from Williams in the middle of the field.
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) July 28, 2025
How some experts are comparing Loveland to LaPorta
It is easy to see why Johnson saw striking similarities between the two players. Here is the quote from Johnson in his interview with Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith:
“Yeah, I do see a lot of comparisons to LaPorta, but that’s not just on the field. That was off the field as well, because with LaPorta, the stage was never too big or too bright. I felt that same thing with Colston the first time I met him. He doesn’t bat an eye. He performs at a high level. And as we talk about where we’re going as an organization, and we’re going to be playing in these big games with the bright lights, we need guys that are going to rise up to the occasion, and he’s going to do that for us.”
Even experts are starting to buy into Loveland hype. NFL analyst Mina Kimes echoed Johnson’s sentiment, noting that Loveland’s draft profile was “eerily similar” to LaPorta’s. She highlighted Loveland’s ability to create separation, his fluid route running, and his football IQ in a recent interview with Marquee Sports Network.
As Loveland continues to get back into game shape and tests his surgically repaired shoulder, the comparison to LaPorta will grow if he continues to shine during preseason. For him, being compared to Sam LaPorta is a blueprint for his NFL success.
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With Caleb Williams under center and Johnson calling plays, Loveland has the opportunity to thrive in a system tailor-made for his skill set. If Loveland lives up to it, the Bears may have found their next offensive star.