When he was the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, Ben Johnson feasted on opposing defenses by feeding tight end Sam LaPorta a steady diet of passes all over the field.
Now that he’s the head coach of the Chicago Bears, he plans to do the same with rookie tight end Colston Loveland.
How Did Colston Loveland Look in His First Pro Game?
Loveland made an impact right from the start. On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Caleb Williams got him the ball.
Caleb Williams to 10th overall pick Colston Loveland on the first play from scrimmage
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Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/XwFGaILl9C— NFL (@NFL) August 18, 2025
Loveland’s finished with two receptions for 26 yards and his early involvement is likely a sign of things to come this season.
Colston Loveland was out there on 4-of-9 snaps with 1 TE on the field, as expected splitting some work with Cole Kmet.
That said, he was schemed up a target and then lined up as the lone route runner on the backside of 3×1 sets multiple times. Good signs.
— Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) August 18, 2025
What Are the Bears’ Expectations for Loveland?
The Bears grabbed Loveland with the 10th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft because he’s a mismatch nightmare. He’s 6’5″ and 245 lbs with soft hands, quick feet, and athletic.
Modern offenses almost demand that tight ends, at least the top-flight ones, can line up off the tackle, in the slot or wide. Loveland has the talent to do that.
He runs quick choice and option routes, is a problem in the seams for linebackers in pass coverage, and has a high football IQ.
He has a nice burst off the line of scrimmage and does a good job getting into the second level of the defense, where he can use his size to make catches over smaller defensive backs.
There were concerns about his health coming out of the draft. He had surgery in January to repair an AC joint in his shoulder and was limited early in training camp.
However, he spent that time rehabbing, watching film and learning Johnson’s complicated offense.
There’s also not much rush to force him into the lineup. The Bears have veteran Cole Kmet, allowing them to mix and match Kmet and Loveland in 11 personnel or put them both on the field in 12 personnel.
The downside is that he’s still raw and young, even considering how polished he was in college. The upside is that he’s still filling out his frame. As he adds muscle, he should become more physical over the middle and when contesting for catches in coverage.
The Bears are counting on Loveland as a playmaker and pass catcher. Even in a short appearance Sunday night, they signaled they plan to use him that way.
