LAKE FOREST, Ill., — One of the most important pieces on offense going into the 2026 season for the Chicago Bears will be tight end Colston Loveland.
The ninth overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft enjoyed a stellar rookie season, totaling 58 receptions, 713 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and accounted for 36 first downs on offense. Loveland also averaged 12.3 yards per reception proving that he could be an option in the short, intermediate, and deep passing game for the Bears.
2025 was an opportunity for Loveland to prove that he could be a starting-caliber tight end alongside veteran Cole Kmet. When Chicago drafted him, his college tape showed a player who was much more refined as a run blocker compared to being a pass catcher. The first few weeks of his rookie season would see him more involved on running plays instead of passing plays.
But as the season progressed, he continued to improve as a pass catcher, developing a high level of chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams, who eventually saw Loveland as a safety net in the passing game.
The 2026 season will be important for Loveland. As the first draft pick of the Ben Johnson era, he enters his sophomore season looking to take a massive step forward, potentially becoming one of the best players at his position in 2026. The coaching staff knows what they have in Loveland. He's a do-it-all tight end that can play a valuable role in the running game and passing game.
"He definitely came on pretty strong late in the season after a slower start, but in terms of a guy working at his craft and knowing that he hasn't achieved anything yet, I wouldn't be surprised if he's even better next year," said tight ends coach Jim Dray. "That's certainly his hope and our hope."
Let's get into whether or not Loveland will actually take a step forward in 2026.
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