Syndication: Detroit Free Press Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) runs against Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher (28) during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

Chicago Bears explain why they spurned Tyler Warren for an injured Colston Loveland

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Apr 24, 2025 10:00 PM ET

The Chicago Bears made a surprise pick at No. 10 at the 2025 NFL Draft at Green Bay, Wisconsin on Thursday night. The Bears watched as one of their preferred targets, running back Ashton Jeanty, was snagged by the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 6.

When the Bears were on the clock, general manager Ryan Poles chose to select Michigan tight end Colston Loveland. Loveland was projected to be a first-round pick in this class, but Tyler Warren was the clear favorite tight end in this draft by most scouts and analysts.

Warren won the John Mackey Award in 2024 for being the best tight end in college football.

The Chicago Bears were worried about the fit

Per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Bears senior player personnel director Jeff King explained why Poles took Loveland over Warren.

The Bears deemed Loveland a “better fit” than Warren.

Via Finley on X:

“Bears senior player personnel director Jeff King said Penn State TE Tyler Warren will be a good player but Colston Loveland “was the best fit for us.”

#Bears senior player personnel director Jeff King said Penn State TE Tyler Warren will be a good player but Colston Loveland "was the best fit for us."

— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) April 25, 2025

Loveland recorded 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns for Michigan in his three years at the college level. Warren recorded eight touchdowns last season compared to Loveland’s five.

Per Zack Pearson of Bear Report, King said Warren fits with the team for several reasons.

“Tough. Smart. Has a presence. Competitive,” King said. “All the things we are trying to build here, he encompasses that as a person.”

Colston Loveland is recovering from surgery

NCAA Football: Michigan at Indiana Nov 9, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) runs with the ball in the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

During the scouting combine, Loveland’s doctor wrote a letter to all NFL GMs letting them know that the athlete had shoulder surgery in January. He was expected to be cleared for OTAs and training camp.

Per Person, King suggested the Bears might have a new timeline for Loveland’s return to the practice field. Chicago hopes he’s ready to go by training camp.

Via Pearson:

“‘We feel good about it.‘ – Jeff King on Colston Loveland’s shoulder and if he will be ready for training camp.”

A healthy Warren was drafted by the Colts at No. 15.