The Chicago Bears had some scratching their heads after passing on Penn State standout tight end Tyler Warren in the 2025 NFL Draft, opting for Michigan’s Colston Loveland instead. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson believes Loveland can be a difference-making security blanket for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
Sunday’s preseason matchup against the Miami Dolphins allowed Bears fans their first look at the No. 10 overall draft pick. According to Pro Football Focus, Loveland only played six snaps in the exhibition clash, but he didn’t head to the sideline without showing fans what he’ll provide for Williams when the games count.
It might have only been a checkdown grab, but it could be a good sign of things to come.
Colston Loveland Flashes Pass-Catching Prowess in Bears Preseason Debut
In a small capacity, Loveland was able to showcase the receiving skills that made him a useful target for the Wolverines.
On a 3rd-and-16 not a minute into the game, he put his hand in the dirt as an in-line tight end and chipped a rushing Bradley Chubb.
Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent dumped it off to wide-open Loveland, allowing him to rumble for eighty yards and crash into Tyrel Dodson and Elijah Campbell.
Chicago then had to send punter Tory Taylor out onto the field to punt the ball away.
Loveland totaled 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns playing for Jim Harbaugh and Sherrone Moore. He was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree, including a first-team selection in 2023. That season, as the Wolverines marched to the College Football Playoff national title, he piled up 649 receiving yards. In 2024, he had a career-high 56 grabs.
Loveland realized after his Pro Day that Chicago was interested in his skill to win over the middle and stretch defenses with seam routes. Johnson utilized Sam LaPorta as an important piece of the Detroit Lions’ attack while running their offense.
“They were kind of asking me who are some of my favorite tight ends, and I mentioned a couple and I threw LaPorta’s name in there,” Loveland said after getting drafted. “Coach Johnson’s like, ‘Yeah, you remind me a lot of him. We can do a lot of things, we did a lot of things with LaPorta.’ And he’s like, ‘I can see you doing a lot of those things as well.’
The Bears drafted Loveland despite his injured shoulder, which he repaired with surgery in January. Loveland showed toughness by playing through that ailment for most of last season.
Chicago pairs Loveland with sixth-year tight end Cole Kmet, who totaled 47 receptions for 474 yards and four touchdowns a campaign ago.
