The Chicago Bears knew early on in the draft process that they wanted Colston Loveland. His talent was unique when compared to other players at his position. Few had his combination of size, speed, route-running skills, and hands. He could impact the passing game in ways only a select few in the NFL can. Head coach Ben Johnson knew Loveland had all the makings of a star. However, the Bears knew they couldn’t base their selection on talent alone. They had to make sure he had the mental makeup necessary to thrive in the NFL.
So per standard protocol, they brought him in for a private visit. Here, the coaches got the chance to speak to him about his football mentality, work ethic, and overall approach to the game. The Bears released some footage from their latest episode of 1920 Football Drive. In it, they show the meeting between the tight end and the Bears staff. Loveland explains why he feels he can be great at the professional level and displays a certain quiet confidence about his ability to beat any coverage.
Colston Loveland operates like somebody who knows what he can do.
It reflects on the field. Over the past two years, there was never a point in time when the tight end looked overwhelmed by the moment. Quite the opposite. Whenever Michigan needed somebody to step up in big games, he was always the one they looked for. They don’t win a national championship without him. That was part of why the Bears wanted him. Johnson felt the team needed more big-game players. Colston Loveland checks those boxes. It might take time for him to realize his full potential in Chicago. Tight ends usually don’t ascend until their second or third seasons. Still, the long-term benefits of his arrival can’t be overstated.