Getty Images

Why Colston Loveland and the Bears’ Tight End Room Could Define the 2025 Offense

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 9:18 AM ET

The Chicago Bears are rebuilding their offense with a fresh vision under new head coach Ben Johnson. Known for his innovative play-calling and ability to adapt personnel creatively, Johnson brings a creative offensive scheme to Halas Hall—one that has utilized multiple tight end sets effectively when the opportunity presents itself. And while plenty of new faces are being integrated, one rookie may be the centerpiece. Colston Loveland, a first-round pick out of Michigan, is already drawing attention as a potential mismatch nightmare in this revamped offense.

Loveland, the versatile tight end, offers a dynamic threat the Bears haven’t had in years. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 248 pounds, he brings size, but it's his athleticism that truly sets him apart and makes him difficult to cover. While at Michigan, he earned First-Team All-Big Ten honors and was widely regarded as one of the nation’s most complete tight ends.

He consistently won one-on-one matchups and made a habit of ripping off chunk plays from a variety of alignments—inline, in the slot, or split out wide. It’s that kind of versatility that screams ‘Ben Johnson guy.’

His skill set checks every box for what Johnson looks for—especially in 12 personnel, where two tight ends can force defenses to tip their hand and create mismatches. Johnson used the third-most 12 personnel in the league last season, and all signs suggest he'll keep leaning into it in Chicago.

On a recent CHSN Bears segment, David Haugh, Jake Butt, and Cameron Smith broke down how Loveland and veteran Cole Kmet might coexist. Butt explained:

'They are going to be in a lot of 12 personnel… Kmet is a traditional tight end, Loveland is more like a hybrid—he’s a weapon. They will line him up as a solo receiver. I expect every third down that doesn’t involve pass protection, Loveland will be the one or two option.'

Haugh added:

'He is their Travis Kelce. He is their third-down option.'

How will Ben Johnson balance out Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet? The Bears could be living in 12 personnel this season @DavidHaugh | @camronsmith | @JBooty88 | #ChicagoLead pic.twitter.com/I3lcsXgamW
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) June 11, 2025

While Kmet was initially surprised by the Loveland selection, a one-on-one with Johnson clarified the plan: both will be key. Training buzz continues to grow, with Joel Wilson reportedly turning heads as well. If the offseason chatter holds, Johnson will enter 2025 with one of the most adaptable tight end rooms in the league—and Colston Loveland may be the spark that ignites it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: