Where does Chicago Bears' second-year player Colston Loveland rank among the NFL's best tight ends?
It's more common in today's NFL to see the tight end position as a prominent piece within an offense.
The tight end helps the offensive line create running lanes, while also serving as a security blanket and vertical passing option for the quarterback. The Chicago Bears' tight ends provide coach Ben Johnson with flexibility in his offensive game plan.
That's why the Bears used the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Michigan's Colston Loveland. After a slow start to the season, the 6-foot-6, 241-pound playmaker found his place in the offense and led the team with 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns.
Loveland's rookie season landed him as the No. 7 tight end in ESPN's positional ranking series, which feature votes from league executives, coaches and scouts to determine the top players at each position right now.
"He's unbelievable," an NFL coordinator said, via ESPN. "A smooth mover with toughness."
"[Loveland] could be the Bears' top receiver next year," an NFL personnel evaluator said, via ESPN. "Expect to see more two- or three-tight-end sets from Chicago this year."
Loveland, 22, is the youngest tight end on the list, but he isn't the only second-year player at his position to be recognized by NFL evaluators. Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren slotted at fifth overall. The Colts selected Warren with the 14th overall pick in last year's draft.
Warren finished his rookie season with 76 catches, 817 yards and four touchdowns. Loveland and Warren will be linked as long as the two play in the league. The Bears had an opportunity to select the former Penn State Nittany Lion, but elected to go with Loveland.
Both players have had a positive start to their careers and provided another weapon for each respective offense. Going into Year 2, there is plenty of opportunity for growth for the first two tight ends selected in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The NFC North had three tight ends finish in the top 10 in ESPN's list. Sam LaPorta (No. 4) and Trey McBride (No. 6) landed just ahead of Loveland. Bears veteran tight end Cole Kmet was also listed as an honorable mention.
"He's still a quality player who's friendly for a young quarterback, good in the run game. They need to find ways to get Kmet and Loveland on the field together." -- personnel executive with an NFL team said, via ESPN.
The Bears identified Loveland as a necessity for Johnson's offense, and the young playmaker delivered in his first season. That early success has established him as one of the best at his position, and Loveland is just getting started.
