Head coach Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears have big plans for first-round pick Colston Loveland, and it’s easy to see why general manager Ryan Poles and Co. were thrilled to select the former Michigan tight end No. 10 overall in this year’s draft.
Loveland, 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, wasn’t just a reliable pass-catcher during his collegiate career at Ann Arbor, hauling in 56 passes for 582 yards and five touchdowns last season in a run-based scheme, but he showed all the traits of a smooth route runner who could excel at the next level.
Given that during Johnson’s time as play-caller for the Detroit Lions only two teams ran two-tight end sets more often last season, adding Loveland and dropping him into quarterback Caleb Williams‘ arsenal alongside fellow tight end Cole Kmet, and receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and fellow rookie Luther Burden III, Chicago just might have round out what has the chance to be a prolific collection of pass catchers.
There also might have been one key reason the Bears tabbed Loveland over Penn State’s Tyler Warren with their first-round pick.
Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson found his Sam LaPorta
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
In Detroit, Johnson was instrumental in helping develop Lions tight end Sam LaPorta into a Pro Bowler and Second-Team All-Pro selection, and believes that in Loveland he’s found a similar weapon.
“I do see a lot of comparisons to LaPorta, that’s not just on the field, that was off the field as well because with LaPorta, the stage was never too big or too bright,” Johnson recently told reporters. “I felt that same thing with Colston the first time I met him.
“He doesn’t bat an eye. He performs at a high level.”
If Loveland can develop into a similar player, he’s going to help significantly elevate the Bears’ defense and Williams taking the next step towards living up to his potential as a former No. 1 overall pick, similarly to how LaPorta played a big role in Jared Goff playing his way into the MVP conversation in recent years.
Meanwhile, Loveland isn’t shying away from the LaPorta comparison, and says he models his game after the Lions star.
“This last year, I feel like I took a huge step,” Loveland told reporters shortly after being drafted. “Just the little details that create big separation. I watched a lot of Nico Collins, obviously, he’s a receiver, bigger body, though. I think I can take a lot of tools from his bag.
“Sam LaPorta. I’m a big fan of watching him. Similar guys that kind of move the same as me. Evan Engram, even. With the details, that has definitely helped my route running. Still a lot to improve on, and I’m excited.”
‘Different opinions’: Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson have their differences
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