The Chicago Bears made a splash with the selection of tight end Colston Loveland in the first round. It was a position that didn’t seem necessary with veteran Cole Kmet already penciled in as the top starter.
But Loveland has already drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who broke out under the tutelage of Ben Johnson, who is now the head coach in Chicago. The addition of Loveland means just another weapon for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who will also see another rookie playmaker in second-round wide receiver Luther Burden.
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Analysts are taking note of Chicago’s additions this offseason, and NFL on CBS commentator Charles Davis is a big fan of Loveland. Appearing on the “Take The North” podcast, Davis explained what he likes the most about Loveland’s ability to run routes.
“His ability to not just use his body for that subtle push-off, use his body to be physical and bounce off a guy. He can do those things, but he can do them with footwork as well,” Davis said. “He’s very deft in his movement, a little subtlety, he’s got very good head faking. He makes catches and contested catches, and let’s face it, with Ben Johnson coming from Detroit with Sam LaPorta, there’s an easy comparison there.”
The addition of Loveland could not only improve the passing game for Williams, but it could bring an elite tight end to Chicago, especially given the comparisons he’s received before even stepping onto the field. Kmet is not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but analysts, scouts, and everyone in between has raved about Loveland, and the Bears may have a star on their hands.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL analyst raves about Bears TE Colston Loveland’s route running