Colston Loveland

Loveland surprised some in the NFL Draft as the first tight end off the board. I'm not shocked by it, but I did think Warren would hear his name called first. Loveland's top ten first-round capital is notable. Ben Johnson seemingly got his Sam LaPorta. I don't think Loveland is on the same talent plane as LaPorta, and I don't mean that as shade, but their skill sets are different. Loveland has stellar per-route efficiency and the route running chops to match, but he isn't the same mauler after the catch, with only eight missed tackles forced in his collegiate career (per PFF). I worry a tiny bit about Loveland's weekly route share with Cole Kmet, who is still on this roster. Loveland should be the Week 1 starter, but don't be shocked if Kmet can be enough of a thorn in his side (ala Dawson Knox) to hurt his ceiling and floor in 2025. I also haven't even mentioned a crowded target hierarchy for this season with D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, D'Andre Swift, and Luther Burden on the roster and Caleb Williams' worrisome 2024 play. Right now, Loveland is a bet on talent, and that is driving him up the target hierarchy. Across his final two collegiate seasons, he ranked fifth in yards per route run in both seasons and third and tenth in receiving grade. Loveland is a TE2 that could finish as a TE1 if everything breaks right in 2025.

Bears coach Ben Johnson said he’s not sure if TE Colston Loveland will be a “full go” for the start of training camp.

Fantasy Impact

Loveland was expected to be ready to go for training camp as he works his way back from shoulder surgery. He is in a non-contact jersey during minicamp. “I think he’s going to fit in really well once we start getting him to go full speed,” Johnson said. His status remains something to monitor in the coming weeks.