The Chicago Bears added another important piece to their offensive puzzle by selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in the NFL Draft. It’s a move that signals confidence in the young playmaker’s potential and a commitment to surrounding quarterback Caleb Williams with reliable weapons. While Loveland may not have been the flashiest name on the board, his versatility, toughness, and proven production on college football’s biggest stages made him an appealing pick for a franchise hungry to re-establish its offensive identity.
Loveland emerged as one of the top tight ends in college football over the past two seasons at Michigan, carving out a reputation as a reliable target, a physical blocker, and a leader in Jim Harbaugh’s pro-style system. His combination of size (6-foot-5, 245 pounds), athleticism, and intelligence made him a vital part of the Wolverines’ national championship run. Now, Loveland brings those same traits to a Bears team that has clearly prioritized upgrading its offensive arsenal around its new franchise quarterback.
This selection didn’t happen in a vacuum. Chicago’s offseason has been dominated by a full-blown overhaul at the quarterback position. With the top pick in the draft, the Bears took USC’s Caleb Williams, widely regarded as one of the most polished quarterback prospects in recent memory. But drafting a quarterback is just the first step—developing one requires infrastructure, patience, and dependable weapons.
Enter Colston Loveland. A proven winner, Loveland fits the mold of a player who can contribute early and grow alongside Williams. While the Bears already have veteran tight end Cole Kmet under contract, the addition of Loveland gives Chicago the flexibility to run two-tight end sets, disguise personnel, and keep defenses off balance. In today’s NFL, where versatility is at a premium, having two tight ends who can run, block, and catch gives an offense options that most defenses struggle to contain.
Loveland’s production at Michigan speaks for itself. He caught 45 passes for 649 yards and four touchdowns during the 2023 season, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous mismatches in the country. His ability to find soft spots in zone coverage, body up defenders in man-to-man, and stretch the seam made him a favorite target in Michigan’s offense. Beyond the stat sheet, Loveland’s impact was felt in the ground game as well. Michigan’s punishing rushing attack relied heavily on tight ends to seal the edge and move bodies at the point of attack—something Loveland did with consistency and attitude.
Scouts loved his smooth route running, his soft hands, and his willingness to mix it up in the trenches. What stood out most, though, was his football IQ. Loveland was frequently lauded by Michigan’s coaching staff for his ability to read defenses, adjust routes on the fly, and communicate effectively with quarterbacks and offensive linemen alike. That kind of headiness is hard to teach—and it makes Loveland an ideal fit in the NFL, where mental processing and adaptability often separate starters from backups.
For the Bears, this pick reflects more than just talent acquisition—it’s a philosophical shift. Chicago wants to build an offense that’s creative, dynamic, and balanced. By taking Loveland, they send a clear message that they’re serious about giving their quarterback the tools he needs to thrive. They’re not just hoping Caleb Williams can elevate the players around him—they’re proactively stacking the deck in his favor.
Colston Loveland also brings a culture of winning with him. Michigan didn’t just win games during his time in Ann Arbor—they dominated. He was part of a team that beat Ohio State multiple times, captured Big Ten championships, and brought home a national title. That experience—playing in high-pressure environments, navigating adversity, and performing under the national spotlight—can’t be overstated. It’s not every day you draft a player who’s been through the fire and come out on top.
There’s also a toughness to Loveland’s game that the Bears’ coaching staff is sure to love. He’s not afraid to block defensive ends, dive for extra yardage, or fight through contact at the catch point. That physical edge is something that will translate well in the NFC North, where weather, rivalry, and old-school football still hold sway.
From a schematic standpoint, Loveland opens up Chicago’s playbook. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, has a reputation for creative tight end usage, often putting players in motion, flexing them into the slot, or isolating them against linebackers in space. Loveland’s versatility gives Waldron a movable chess piece—one who can create mismatches and help keep the offense ahead of the sticks.
It’s also worth noting that the Bears have done a nice job of building depth at the skill positions. With D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen at wide receiver, Kmet and now Loveland at tight end, and a stable of running backs that includes Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, the Bears are positioning themselves to be dangerous on every level of the field. Defenses will have to pick their poison—and that’s exactly how modern offenses thrive.
Of course, the adjustment from college to the NFL is never seamless. Loveland will face faster defenders, more complex schemes, and the challenge of proving he can hold his own at the next level. But based on his trajectory, work ethic, and on-field intelligence, there’s every reason to believe he’ll rise to the occasion. He’s not being asked to carry the offense—he’s being asked to be a part of something bigger, and that’s often where rookies shine.
This pick also provides insurance for the Bears. If injuries strike or if the offense needs to pivot midseason, having multiple tight ends capable of playing starter-level snaps is a luxury. Loveland and Kmet can both play in-line, split out wide, or line up in the backfield. That gives Chicago maximum flexibility and forces opposing coordinators to spend extra time preparing for formations they might not see from other teams.
Chicago fans should be excited about what this pick represents. It’s not just about Loveland—it’s about building a sustainable, modern offense that can keep up in a league dominated by explosive playmakers and high-scoring games. For years, the Bears have struggled to find a consistent identity on offense. They’ve cycled through quarterbacks, coordinators, and skill players without much to show for it. This year feels different. This year, there’s a plan. And Loveland fits that plan to perfection.
Drafting Colston Loveland may not have made the loudest headlines, but it’s the kind of pick that could pay massive dividends down the road. He’s smart. He’s tough. He knows how to win. And perhaps most importantly, he’s the type of player who can help make life easier for a young quarterback learning to navigate the NFL.
As the dust settles on draft weekend, the Bears look like a franchise that’s finally ready to turn the corner. They’ve got their quarterback. They’ve got their receivers. They’ve bolstered the offensive line. And now, with the addition of Loveland, they’ve solidified the tight end position with a player who’s battle-tested, fundamentally sound, and hungry to prove he belongs at the next level.
Colston Loveland’s journey is just beginning, but the destination seems promising. Chicago has found itself a tight end with the potential to be a cornerstone—someone who can grow with this young core, help establish a winning culture, and make plays in the moments that matter most. If that happens, this pick will be remembered not just as a smart choice, but as a turning point.
In a city that reveres toughness, grit, and heart, Colston Loveland may be exactly what the Bears have been missing. And in pairing him with Caleb Williams, the Bears have taken another big step toward building something lasting. Something exciting. Something worth believing in.