Colston Loveland could compete for Offensive Rookie of the Year under play-calling mastermind Ben Johnson

Tight end Colston Loveland dominated while at Michigan, and he has a great chance to do the same for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. The Bears took Loveland with the tenth overall pick in the draft Thursday, and new head coach Ben Johnson likely sees the former Wolverine as a weapon. After all, Loveland is the first Michigan tight end to ever be drafted in the first round.

How Colston Loveland could shine on the Chicago Bears

Johnson is entering his first season as an NFL head coach, but his work as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator bodes well for Loveland. Over the past two seasons with the Lions, Johnson had Sam Laporta as his tight end, and the Iowa product was elite.

Laporta was named to the Pro Bowl and Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team in 2023 with 86 catches for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is one of the best tight ends in the league, and much of his success can be attributed to Johnson.

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At 6-foot-6, Loveland is three inches taller than Laporta, and he’s also faster and more athletic. Laporta has the edge as far as blocking goes, but Loveland has a higher ceiling as a pass catcher.

New #Bears TE Colston Loveland was our #2 player in the entire draft class (excluding all QBs), after Hunter.

He’s just a notch below Brock Bowers as a prospect, and he finished as the second highest graded TE I’ve ever graded.

GREAT value at #10. Awesome fit with Ben Johnson!

— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) April 25, 2025

With Caleb Williams at quarterback and the creativity of Johnson’s play-calling, Loveland should be able to flourish in Chicago. He can look forward to two games per season against his former QB JJ McCarthy and the division rival Minnesota Vikings.

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