Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland continues to validate his draft slot. The former Michigan standout, selected No. 10 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, was recently named the No. 9 rookie in the league according to ESPN. It marks a major jump for a player who did not appear in the outlet’s first rookie rankings earlier in the year. And while he is not the top tight end on the list, Loveland is quickly becoming one of the most important young pieces on a Chicago roster still taking shape under first year head coach Ben Johnson.

A First Round Pick Making Sense in Real Time

When Bears general manager Ryan Poles drafted Loveland despite having Cole Kmet locked into a long term deal, the reaction was mixed. Chicago had more pressing needs and was coming off a 2024 season that ended with Matt Eberflus’ dismissal. But the reasoning behind the pick has grown clearer each week. Loveland brings a dual threat skill set that includes physical receiving, reliable hands, and functional blocking, which gives a young quarterback immediate stability.

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid echoed that development in his rookie evaluation. Reid noted Loveland’s fast rise within Chicago’s offense and his growing value as a safety valve for Caleb Williams. He highlighted Loveland’s ability to create through contact and extend plays after the catch, which has already lifted him near the top of the position group. Loveland’s early toughness and efficiency have become a subtle but important strength of Chicago’s attack.

A Stabilizing Target for Caleb Williams

Loveland’s connection with Williams is one of the most encouraging developments of the Bears season. Through Week 13, Williams has targeted him 44 times, resulting in 31 receptions. That is a 70 percent catch rate that trails only Luther Burden III among Chicago’s primary pass catchers. In a season marked by typical rookie instability from Williams, having a steady option in the middle of the field has been essential.

Chicago’s offensive surge adds even more weight to Loveland’s early impact. Through Week 13, the Bears have emerged as one of the league’s most efficient units, ranking eighth in scoring at 26.1 points per game and sixth in total offense at 374.3 yards per game. They are producing 5.6 yards per play, which ranks ninth, and converting 43.9 percent of their third downs, which ranks sixth. These are numbers that reflect a passing attack operating with structure and rhythm for the first time in years.

The trio of Loveland, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze has become the engine of that improvement. Moore stretches the field. Odunze wins vertically and in isolation. Loveland works the underneath and intermediate areas, keeps drives alive, and limits negative plays. Paired with a top five rushing output of 153.8 yards per game, Chicago now carries one of the most balanced scoring profiles in the league. Loveland’s efficiency is a key part of that transformation.

A Rare Rookie Profile According to PFF

Pro Football Focus grading supports the eye test. Loveland carries a 75.6 overall grade, which ranks ninth among all NFL tight ends. His 13.1 yards per reception sits inside the top five at the position. His blend of receiving impact and blocking consistency places him among the strongest rookie tight ends in recent seasons.

Since 2019, PFF’s top rookie tight end receiving grades belong to

Brock Bowers

Chigoziem Okonkwo

Kyle Pitts

Sam LaPorta

Colston Loveland

Only one of those players also ranks inside the top fifteen in run blocking. That player is Loveland, who ranks third. Loveland gives the Bears something rare. They have a rookie tight end who can contribute in every phase of the offense without requiring special accommodation. His emergence provides Chicago with a reliable building block for the early stages of the Ben Johnson era and a stabilizing force for Caleb Williams as the franchise continues its long term rebuild.

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