The Chicago Bears and their substantial fanbase are feeling pretty good about where they are at, at this point in time heading into 2025.
After recruiting one of the best offensive minds in the game to take over as head coach, they bulked up both the offensive line and the pass-catching group at tight end and receiver.
Yet, one of their major offensive recruits, Colston Loveland, who was selected with the 10th overall pick in the draft, has ‘potential to disappoint’ according to Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski.
Much of that, per Sobleski, comes from Loveland’s pre-draft injury; a Type V AC Joint dislocation in his right shoulder during his last season in college in 2024.
Colston Loveland’s Shoulder Surgery Could Reduce His Rookie Season Impact
“Loveland suffered an AC joint separation during the 2024 campaign.” Sobleski wrote on Sunday, “He missed two games but did play through the injury for a period. Once the season ended and draft preparation ramped up, the tight end required surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder and reconstruct the AC joint capsule.
After not participating during the on-field portions of rookie camp, organized team activities or mandatory minicamp, the current timeline places Loveland on the field by the start of training camp.”
Sobleski also argues that the nature of tight end being one of the more complex positions in the NFL to learn, combined with former second round pick, Cole Kmet, already entrenched into the lineup, means that Loveland may not get as much opportunity snap-wise as other players drafted in similar spots.
Unclear How Much Time Loveland Will Spend On The Field In 2025
“His onboarding into the offense will take some time.” Sobleski continued, “Tight end is already a notoriously slow-developing position because of how it has to be engaged in the passing game with an understanding of all blocking and protection schemes. Time missed now, while slowly working Loveland into the mix during training camp and possibly the preseason, will have an effect on his ability to contribute as a rookie, particularly during the first half of the regular season.
The Bears can fall back on veteran Cole Kmet, while the coaching staff finds ways to eventually implement Loveland into the gameplan. Once up to speed, Chicago will add this year’s top tight end prospect. It’s going to take time, though.”
The good news for Loveland is that any time a team uses a top-10 pick on a player, they are (with the exception of some quarterbacks) trying to get them on to the field as quickly as possible.
That is not always possible, but if Loveland is practicing hard and putting in quality reps, there is no doubt that Ben Johnson and co. will make an effort to increase his snap count.
Particularly since Kmet may not even be at the franchise in a few months time, with some believing that the tight end could be shipped off to a different team at some point prior to the trade deadline.
With all that said, expectations for the former Michigan man should be tempered – but there is no question fans will expect to see at least flashes of his ability in 2025.
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