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

Colston Loveland’s two traits that convinced Chicago Bears to draft him

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Apr 25, 2025 4:15 PM ET

The Chicago Bears took a side in the great tight end debate of 2025.

While much of the conversation entering the NFL Draft came down to whether Michigan’s Colston Loveland , the Bears’ eventual selection with the No. 10 overall pick in the draft, or Penn State’s Tyler Warren would be the first player chosen at the position, turns out there might have been two critical traits that led GM Ryan Poles and Chicago to make the pick they did.

“Loveland’s quick feet and strong hands made him the Wolverines’ top receiving threat,” NFL Media’s Chad Reuter revealed what could be what pushed him across the finish line for the Bears. “Until an injury sidelined him last fall. He’s a physical player who can hold up as a blocker when asked to hit second-level targets.”

If Loveland can be a true three-down tight end, as willing a blocker in the ground-game as he is as a pass-catcher, the Bears are going to have a complete weapon on their hands capable of contributing to the offense in a multitude of ways.

Reuter joined the chorus of praise for Loveland as the Bears’ first-round pick, offering up an “A-” grade for the tight end who lands in Chicago on the heels of catching 117 passes for 1,466 yards with 11 touchdowns through his 39-game career in Ann Arbor.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson thrilled to draft Colston Loveland

Colston Loveland's two traits that convinced Chicago Bears to draft him 2 Chicago Bears Ben Johnson answering questions from reporters – Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

When the Bears made the call, and with Loveland on the other end of the phone, Bears head coach Ben Johnson couldn’t contain his excitement.

“You’re exactly what we’re looking for,” Johnson told Loveland.

“We’re cooking with hot grease, man, I’m telling you. Smart, tough, explosive. I know exactly what we’re getting man. It’s beautiful. Let’s go win some games.”

It’s obvious the Bears were looking for a playmaking tight end to help accelerate quarterback Caleb Williams’ development, and that Loveland has the traits to contribute in a big way towards igniting Johnson’s offense, as a rookie this fall.

Report: Tyler Warren isn't Chicago Bears' only tight end target at No. 10 6 Colston Loveland at the NFL scouting combine – Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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