CHICAGO, Ill., — When the Chicago Bears took tight end Colston Loveland 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, it came as a surprise to some. While Loveland was considered one of the top tight ends in the class, it was former Penn State standout Tyler Warren who many believed would be the first tight end off the board.
Loveland himself was even a little shocked as he admitted during an appearance on the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast that released on Tuesday.
"Yeah, I was definitely surprised," Loveland said to hosts Taylor Lewan and Will Compton. "In my head, I'm thinking no later than the Chargers. That's kind of what I was thinking. So when they picked me up, I was definitely surprised."
Although tight end wasn't the big need for the Bears, they stuck with Johnson's philosophy of getting the best player no matter the position.
"Like, you said, they really didn't need a [tight end], but Ben's philosophy was 'we are going to get the best player'. Obviously, you kind of have to fit into what we need, so that's how it ended up being and it turned out alright."
The tight end went on to say that he kind of knew Chicago was interested, as they met with him on his pro day. However, another team stood out to Loveland, and there was a connection to his college days.
With Loveland's college coach, Jim Harbaugh, now coaching the Chargers, it would make sense for the two to reunite. Loveland felt like the Chargers were the team that was the hottest on him in terms of the predraft process.
"I think Chargers at 22 or wherever they were at," Loveland said. "That was the only visit I had, and coach Harbaugh really told me, 'If you're there, we will grab you.'"
The good thing for Chicago was that they picked at 10, not giving the Chargers a chance to land Loveland. In the end, it feels like it's working out for both Loveland and the Bears. He put together a big rookie season, catching 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns. Loveland is expected to have a big role going into his second season here in 2026 for the Bears offense.
As Chicago enters year two under Johnson, it feels like Loveland is ready to have a bigger season and be a big factor for the Bears.
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