NFL Rookie Report: Bears TE Colston Loveland showing early All-Pro potential

Bears tight end Colston Loveland is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting young players in the league, and he is starting to show real All-Pro potential. In Chicago’s last two games, the rookie has totaled 173 receiving yards and two touchdowns, proving he can be a consistent and dangerous option for quarterback Caleb Williams. 

This sudden surge in production stands out because Loveland opened the season slowly, recording only 53 receiving yards across his first four games. His improvement reflects both his growing confidence and the Bears’ increasing willingness to feature him in their offense.

Loveland’s elite receiving skill set

Loveland entered the NFL as one of Michigan’s most accomplished tight ends in school history. He finished his college career as Michigan’s all-time leading receiver at the position with 117 receptions and 1,466 yards in just 24 starts. His reliable hands were a major reason for this success, and that trait has carried over into his rookie year. Loveland has not dropped a single pass so far this season, and he has already made several contested grabs that highlight his impressive body control. Whether it is adjusting to an off-target throw or fighting through tight coverage, he continues to show the instincts of a natural playmaker.

One of the qualities that made Loveland my highest-rated tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft was his ability to turn short receptions into explosive gains. He led Michigan in yards after the catch in 2023, and his former head coach Sherrone Moore even compared him to Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce. 

That big play potential has translated to the Bears offense. Loveland is averaging 13.8 yards per catch, and the team has shown plenty of trust in his vertical ability. His average depth of target sits at 10.1 yards, a number that nearly doubles the figure posted by Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, who many experts believed was the best tight end in the draft class. Loveland also showcased his long speed on a 58-yard touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, proving he can be a home run threat when given space.

Loveland has also made significant strides as a run blocker. This area was considered one of his biggest concerns entering the league, yet he has quickly developed into one of the stronger run blocking tight ends in the NFL. His 68.8 Pro Football Focus run blocking grade ranks sixth among tight ends with at least 165 run blocking snaps, which speaks to both his technique and his aggressiveness to battle at the line of scrimmage.

This week presents another favorable matchup for Loveland as the Bears prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota has allowed only 192 passing yards per game, but they have been vulnerable to tight ends. Two of the past three tight ends they have faced have recorded at least 75 yards, and all three have scored touchdowns. With Caleb Williams showing increasing trust in Loveland, the rookie tight end is positioned for another productive outing. His steady growth, reliable skill set, and ability to impact multiple areas of the game make him one of the most promising young tight ends in the league.