Bears Rookie Predicted to Steal Starting Spot From $50 Million Veteran

“When a team uses a top-10 pick on a tight end, it should be a no-brainer that he takes on a prominent role, but Colston Loveland’s rookie outlook seems a bit blurry with sixth-year veteran Cole Kmet on the roster,” Moton wrote on June 19. “Kmet is a proven playmaker in the passing game, registering at least 50 catches in three of his five seasons.”

Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet Both Primed for Big Years in Bears’ Offense

GettyChicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland.

Johnson likes to use two-tight end sets, which means that Chicago will likely lineup with Loveland and Kmet in the game frequently.

Kmet finished last season with 47 receptions for 474 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Loveland put up 56 catches for 582 receiving yards and five touchdowns across 10 games played at Michigan in 2024.

Both players should benefit from a Bears offense in 2025 that should be more focused on creating a strong pass attack, and also more capable of doing so from personnel and schematic perspectives, than their previous rosters/coaching staffs.

Bears Will Pair Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet With Talented Group of Wide Receivers

GettyWide receiver Luther Burden III of the Chicago Bears.

The two will play alongside wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, the latter of whom was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2024 draft.

Chicago also drafted slot receiver Luther Burden III with the No. 39 pick in the second round back in April. However, Burden is currently dealing with a soft tissue injury and has missed several weeks of preseason work as a result. It is unclear if he will be healthy enough to go when training camp begins in July.

Even with the influx of talent on the offensive side, there should be plenty of opportunity to go around, as Johnson will certainly look to air out the football frequently with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams under center.