CHICAGO, Ill., — The tight end position is a key one in Ben Johnson's offense, which was proven to be true in the 2025 season. Chicago drafted Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and he was a big factor in the Bears' offense finding success.
The selection of Loveland over Tyler Warren was criticized when it happened, but after one season, Loveland has proven the doubters wrong. Loveland finished the season with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns, an impressive first season. But going into 2026, he's going to flush that and focus on this upcoming season and trying to get better.
"I think it's watching the tape and knowing it was good for a rookie, but it's not going to be good enough for a second-year or third-year guy," Loveland said. "Knowing that all that, let's flush that, clean up on the tape, and then certain things I need to get better at – which is dang near everything. I think it's just going to the offseason, and knowing what my strengths and flaws were definitely helps to see what I can focus on, especially coming into this six-week window we have before camp."
This is the first offseason Loveland has been fully healthy.
He missed the start of last offseason while recovering from surgery after he suffered an injury in his final season with Michigan. The Bears knew this when they drafted him, taking that risk. But going into this offseason, he's healthy and it's allowed him to get up to speed with Caleb Williams and the rest of the offense.
"I think kind of what I said earlier, things are hitting at a faster and better rate than they were last year," Loveland said. "But still a lot on both ends – drops, missed throws and completions that'll boost the completion percentage. That's all of us collectively and we're aware of that and we know that, we need to continue to grow in that aspect."
Loveland will focus on getting better this offseason, taking another step in his career. With DJ Moore being traded to Buffalo, the Bears have some production to fill in terms of the passing offense. While not a wide receiver, Loveland's receiving ability at the tight end spot adds another dynamic to the offense.
But improvement from year one to year two will be important, and now there's tape on the talented tight end, so it will be up to him to find ways to get better.
"Maybe there might be a little more awareness now," Loveland said. "But like I said, there's a lot of dudes on the field who can make a play, so pick your poison."
The thing about the Bears' offense and how it's currently constructed is that there are multiple weapons. Defenses can't just focus on one guy and have to be aware that there are others who can beat them. That could open the door for Loveland or someone else to come up big when needed.
"I think it's tough because we've got so many weapons, you can't just game plan around one guy," Loveland said. "Then you'll get bit on the other side."
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