Training camp has come and gone, the preseason is over, and the Chicago Bears are beginning their preparations for opening night against Minnesota. Looking back, it is always interesting to examine the most popular topics that surrounded the team. Of course, it starts with head coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams. Then there was the exciting ascent of receivers Olamide Zaccheaus and Luther Burden. There was the left tackle competition and the suddenly aggressive mindset on defense. Amidst all of that, it was surprising how quiet things were around Colston Loveland, especially with him being a top 10 draft pick.
Maybe he got off to a quieter start than others because the learning curve for tight ends is steeper. Not according to Dan Graziano of ESPN. According to what he was told, Loveland has been one of the stars of camp.
Loveland is the guy whose name comes up every time I ask somebody about Bears camp. He’s quarterback-friendly. He’s big and fast. He’s polished in his route running. He was healthy to start training camp, so he advanced quickly once August got going. And his connection with quarterback Caleb Williams is said to already be outstanding. The Bears have a lot of very good pass catchers, with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet and Luther Burden III. But as Williams continues his development under new coach Ben Johnson, he could lean on Loveland a lot — especially early.
Hearing that makes you realize the lack of genuine buzz around the rookie was probably by design. While the Bears praised Loveland when asked, they seem to intentionally not mention him otherwise. That suggests they want to keep him a secret until it’s time to pull the curtain on national television.
Colston Loveland has the exact right person guiding him.
Ben Johnson knows a thing or two about tight ends. He coached the position for several years while rising up the NFL ranks. Then, he helped mold Sam LaPorta into a Pro Bowler in Detroit. If anybody is qualified to elevate Colston Loveland to the player he can be, it’s Johnson. This offense is as tight-end-friendly as it gets. The only question is how long it takes for the Bears to turn him loose. Johnson said his biggest challenge would be keeping everybody fed. D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, Zaccheaus, and Burden will also need action. Getting Loveland the ball will require timing and preparation. Still, seeing him make two or three impactful plays on Monday night wouldn’t be shocking.
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