Most Chicago Bears fans were in shock when commissioner Roger Goodell announced Colston Loveland as the team’s pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. After some time has passed, a lot of fans have warmed up to the idea of adding another tight end in Chicago, and one anonymous NFL executive not only believes Loveland was an outstanding pick, but that he will be better than Detroit Lions’ tight end Sam LaPorta.
NFL Exec: “Loveland Will Be Better Than LaPorta”
There’s been a surge in positivity surrounding the Bears’ decision to draft Colston Loveland in the first round, and here’s the full response from the NFL executive who believes he’ll surpass Sam LaPorta:
“Loveland is going to catch a million balls. He will be better than (Sam) LaPorta. He is such a good receiver, and he’s bigger — two inches taller and another 10 pounds. They will have an 11 personnel package with Burden in the slot and the 12 package when Burden is off the field with Loveland and Kmet on the field. They are set up pretty well.”
What some fans may not realize is that new head coach Ben Johnson heavily favors 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends). Last season, his offense used this package 32.2% of the time, ranking third in the NFL. With Johnson’s proven success in schemes that rely on dual-tight end sets, there’s a clear blueprint to maximize Loveland’s strengths from the moment he steps onto the field.
Colston Loveland’s College Career at Michigan
Colston Loveland quickly became one of the top targets at the University of Michigan, where he ended his collegiate career with 235 receptions for 3,141 yards and 35 touchdowns. A three-time first-team all-state tight end, Loveland built a reputation as a smooth route-runner with reliable hands. His athleticism and ability to win against both zone and man coverage are the reasons why the Bears drafted him over Penn State’s Tyler Warren.
Was the Comparison Valid?
No one should take away the historic season Sam LaPorta had during his rookie season. He caught 86 balls for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns , made the Pro Bowl, and made the 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team. Critics initially questioned LaPorta’s draft selection as well, only for him to quickly silence doubters.
As for Loveland, you can either look at his situation with a ‘glass half-full’ or a ‘glass half-empty’ mentality. He is coming into a situation where there are plenty of mouths to feed. The Bears have Cole Kmet and a monster trio at wide receiver, including DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III. However, that also means defenses won’t be focused primarily on Loveland, allowing him to have opportunities to feast against backups and linebackers in open space.
Loveland might not immediately replicate LaPorta’s rookie-year production, but given his skillset and the offensive system he’s entering, he has every chance to develop into a key piece, and potentially even the centerpiece of Chicago’s offense in the years ahead.
These are not WR highlights. This is a TE. Colston Loveland is going to terrorize NFL defenders. pic.twitter.com/xpvgXXg0Aa
— illwill (@79illwill) April 27, 2025
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Main Image: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
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