Colston Loveland’s first NFL game is Monday.
It doesn’t feel like it yet.
“I’m sure it’ll hit a little bit harder when that day comes,” the Bears tight end said. “We’re here. We’ve been here for months, camp, preseason. It’s here now.”
Head coach Ben Johnson will spend all week winnowing down his game plan for the Vikings. Among the questions he has to answer is exactly how much he trusts his rookie skill position players — “Our young bucks,” he said — to be where they’re supposed to be.
He has a lot of them: Michigan tight end Loveland was the No. 10 overall pick, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III was drafted No. 39 and Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai was a seventh-round pick. Johnson spent training camp trying to see exactly how much he can rely on them, at least early in the season.
“It takes longer for rookies, there’s no question about it … ” Johnson said before Wednesday’s practice. “I respect the way they go about their business in the building, first and foremost. They all take it seriously. They’re pros. They’re taking after our vets. I think we’ve got a great group of leaders where if you just do what they do and operate the way that they operate, good things will happen for you. Our young bucks are kind of falling in that mode.”
They’re not a monolith, though. Burden struggled with the finer points of the Bears’ pre-snap operation throughout camp. Monangai’s development was stunted after he was hurt in the Bears’ joint practice against the Bills almost three weeks ago.
“Some are a little bit further ahead than others, but it’s coming along,” Johnson said. “When we get to a game week like we are in now, the plan can get a little more condensed and guys find their roles and their niches and they really sink their teeth into that. And they can function at a high level on game day.”
If all three contribute, it will be a welcome change for the Bears. This year marked just the second time since 1993 the team took a running back, tight end and wide receiver in the same draft. The 2008 draft produced running back Matt Forte, a future star — but receiver Earl Bennett and tight end Kellen Davis combined to catch exactly zero passes as a rookie.
“All of us rookies are looking to make an impact in any which way. …” Monangai said. “In whatever capacity that is, I know we’re going to make the most of it.”
Monangai, who returned to practice Wednesday, slots in as the second-string running back behind D’Andre Swift. Burden is the Bears’ fourth receiver, behind Rome Odunze, DJ Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus, while Loveland is Cole Kmet’s backup. If history is any indication, Johnson will use Kmet and Loveland on the field at the same time often. Kmet has been impressed by Loveland’s physicality as a blocker, which is often one of the last traits to come along.
“It’s impressive when you can come in and handle your own and … gain the coaches’ trust — I mean, that’s the biggest thing,” Kmet said. “All three of those guys have done that to some capacity.”
Burden has a new number ready for Monday’s occasion, switching from No. 87 — which he disliked from the day it was assigned — to No. 10, his first high school number. He’s said he’s excited to “live out my dream” Monday night along with the other members of the Bears’ draft class.
“I feel like we’ve got the best rookie class,” Burden said.
For now, Johnson will settle for dependable. Loveland thinks he’s earned that trust.
“I feel like I’ve got a lot left to prove, though,” he said.