Pro Football Focus confirmed what Bears fans knew about Colston Loveland's Year 1

Pro Football Focus has declared Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland the highest graded rookie in the NFL for 2025.

The honor formally endows the young tight end with the title that Bears fans knew Loveland had all along. Finalizing your rookie year with a PFF grade over 80 is a feat in and of itself, but finishing with an 84.0 overall is extremely impressive.

If you're not familiar, PFF grades players based on every snap they play throughout the season, then averages their individual grades to determine their overall PFF grade. PFF grades each snap on assignment, difficulty, situation, and execution.

Colston Loveland recognized as PFF's best rookie in 2025

Loveland was not only a powerhouse in Ben Johnson's offense but also a reliable teammate and blocker when needed. At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, the 21-year-old became a true force to be reckoned with. Ryan Poles was almost immediately vindicated after picking Loveland in the first round of the 2025 Draft, and the return on investment has been remarkably rewarding so far.

Loveland was electric for the Bears this year, boasting the most receiving yards on the team, despite the talented receivers in the room. PFF ranked him not just the best tight end, but the best rookie overall. That's a very impressive title after your first year in the NFL. Loveland's chemistry with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was apparent throughout the season, and it only seemed to grow stronger as they entered January football.

After years of sitting at the bottom of the league, the Bears needed this. Adding a star tight end to the ranks has become a necessary move for any modern franchise with hopes of holding playoff contention in their eyes. Loveland not only met the mark, but he exceeded it beyond Ryan Poles' wildest dreams.

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PFF's evaluation confirms what the tape has shown all season. Loveland was not learning on the fly. He was winning. Chicago now has proof that its first round of investment is already paying off. An 84.0 rookie rating is above the contributor level. The Bears may have a star on their hands.