The Chicago Bears are coming off a strong offseason — one that included hiring Ben Johnson as head coach and making key moves to shore up the offensive line. But the biggest surprise of the summer might be their first-round pick.
That would be Michigan tight end Colston Loveland, taken No. 10 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson has been high on the former Wolverine from the start — and his opinion hasn’t wavered as the Bears begin their first week of training camp.
“I can tell you from the moment he’s gotten into the building... I’m just blown away by how he approaches everything,” Johnson said. “I don’t think there’s a guy I saw in the building more this summer than him. It’s really a credit to who he wants to be. He’s attacking the rehab hard. He wants to be a factor here.”
Being a factor feels very much in play. Johnson has a history of maximizing tight end talent — most recently with Sam LaPorta in Detroit. Under Johnson’s coaching, LaPorta went from a mid-round pick to one of the league’s most productive tight ends.
Loveland wasn’t a stat sheet star in college, but when his number was called, he delivered.
In 2023, with Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy leading the offense, he posted 45 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns. He also averaged 14.4 yards per catch — a reminder of how dangerous he could be downfield.
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Now, Loveland will get to develop under Johnson while catching passes from last year’s No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams. Even with plenty of mouths to feed in this offense — including Cole Kmet, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and D’Andre Swift — there’s real belief Loveland can carve out a role.
With Johnson’s proven system and Loveland’s relentless work ethic, the Bears could be on to something special. If that offseason grind translates into production, Loveland won’t just fit in — he’ll stand out.