Chicago Bears: Michigan TE Colston Loveland selected over Warren with the 10th overall pick
Brian Teague
Photo by CSOM Sports
With Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, regarded as not only the best tight end in the Draft, but one of the best pass-catchers, still on the board, the Bears elected to take Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th pick.
Most Bears fans were hoping for Ashton Jeanty in the first round, but the Bears clearly prioritized an upgrade at tight end, making Loveland even if he was a bit of a surprise a reasonable choice. The Loveland selection feels more like a Ben Johnson pick than someone Poles would have targeted. Loveland has room to grow physically as a blocker but is an elite athlete, great route runner and could develop into a playmaking weapon for quarterback Caleb Williams.
Ben Johnson's desire to create mismatches with his passing attack seems to have been the selling point for the Bears' selection of Loveland. Johnson wants versatile playmakers who can play in line and out of the slot to mirror his Detroit days, and Loveland certainly fits that objective. Johnson told Loveland during their meeting in March that he reminded him of Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. The offense should feature dynamic formations with Cole Kmet and Loveland playing together.
Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles on the decision to draft Colston Loveland with the 10th pick:
If there's been one criticism about Kmet during his tenure with the Chicago Bears, it's that he's more of a catch and fall tight end than a true playmaker at the position. Kmet is also coming off his least productive season since his rookie year (47 catches, 474 yards and four touchdowns). Pairing Loveland with Kmet will give the Bears a chance to line up against nickel defenses with smaller players in the box while making the same plays look different and different plays look the same.
Loveland’s 2024 season was cut short due to a shoulder injury that required surgery and raised concerns with other teams during the predraft process. There will be a debate over whether the Bears made the right decision going with Loveland over Warren. It’s apparent that Johnson saw something in Loveland that fits his offense better.