The Chicago Bears have undergone an overhaul this offseason, with hopes that it will be the key to success in 2025. That kind of work comes with a territory with position battles all over the roster.
Bears new head coach, Ben Johnson, has some significant decisions he needs to make at some key positions. Most of the attention has gone to the left tackle position after last year's disastrous league-high 68 sacks allowed a season ago. Other position battles include backup quarterback and linebacker.
Another one that isn't getting as much attention is the tight end position between Cole Kmet and first-round pick Colston Loveland. While it might be a legitimate battle between Kmet and Loveland, it may not be as close as fans might think.
Kmet has the advantage over Loveland at tight end in 2025
Bleacher Report writer Alex Kay made his predictions known for five of the most significant position battles around the NFL. Kay gives the Bears' tight end starting position to Kmet over Loveland, despite Kmet having an off year in 2024.
"Loveland has everything a team could want in a modern pass-catching tight end. He measures up at 6'6", 248 pounds and had a highly productive collegiate career. Since emerging as the starter ahead of the Wolverines' national championship-winning 2023 campaign, the 21-year-old racked up 1,231 yards and nine touchdowns on 101 receptions.
While Loveland grades out as a top prospect due to his elite hands, route-running skills and athleticism, it's difficult for tight ends to make a quick transition to the pros. That issue will be compounded by the presence of Kmet, who could relegate the No. 10 overall pick to backup duties in 2025.
Kmet seemed to be a potential long-term answer to Chicago's tight end woes after he broke out with 13 touchdowns between the 2022-23 seasons. He struggled with Williams at the helm last year, though, putting up a 47/474/4 stat line that represented his poorest campaign since his 2020 rookie year.
It remains to be seen if Kmet can bounce back and display a better rapport with his signal-caller in Year 2 of their partnership. While he's unlikely to be a high-volume option in Chicago's talent-laden passing attack, he could reemerge as a safety net who racks up a good number of red-zone touchdowns.
Expect both of Chicago's tight ends to see the field in 2025, but Kmet's experience, pass-blocking skills and sure hands will likely give him an edge in playing time."
Another point made by Kay that is important to note is that Loveland is still recovering from his shoulder injury from last year at Michigan. Loveland has not been able to participate in offseason workouts, but he plans on being ready by training camp.
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That lost time on the field is an advantage for Kmet, who already has chemistry with starting quarterback Caleb Williams despite it not being the strongest. Williams needs guys he can trust entering season two, and Kmet has been a solid pass catcher for Chicago since being drafted in 2020.
Chicago has a good problem on their hands, though, between Kmet and Loveland, as both guys are elite pass catchers at tight end and can be difference makers. Regardless of who starts, Williams is well-positioned for success in 2025 with a pair of talented tight ends.