Jaw-dropping Bears Rookie Poised to Thrive in Ben Johnson’s “Beautiful” Offense: Electrifying, Mind-Blowing Breakout Looms That Will Shock the NFL

As the first tight end taken in April’s draft, former Colston Loveland is generating considerable buzz as a rookie.

Whether it is warranted or not is, of course, another discussion.

For now, many around the NFL are predicting big things from the former University of Michigan standout, who was drafted 10th overall by the Chicago Bears. In fact, one writer from NFL.com lists Loveland on his way-too-early 2025 All-Rookie Team.

“Standing 6-6, 241 pounds, Loveland is a tight end who runs routes with the fluidity of a wideout,” NFL.com deputy editor Gennaro Filice writes. “That’s what makes him special. And that’s what made Sam LaPorta a rookie Pro Bowler under Ben Johnson in Detroit, so it stands to reason that Johnson will get the most out of Loveland in Chicago.”

How Does Colston Loveland Fit With the Bears?

Michigan didn’t have much of a passing game last season, but Loveland still found ways to consistently produce. He had a career-high 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games, earning All-American honors. In three years, he finished third all-time in career receiving yards (1,466) among Michigan tight ends.

Despite that production his selection was a bit of a surprise, as Penn State’s Tyler Warren was widely expected to be the first tight end off the board. Instead, Warren went 14th overall to the Indianapolis Colts.

In Chicago, Loveland will be paired with veteran Cole Kmet, who had 47 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns during Caleb Williams’ rookie season. Filice believes that’s a recipe for success.

“With Kole Kmet in place to handle traditional in-line work, Johnson can let his beautiful football mind run wild when it comes to scheming up touches for his new toy,” Filice said. “The Bears have a lot of mouths to feed in the passing game, but I anticipate this supersized separator will get a fair share of attention.”

Bears’ Offense Was NFL’s Worst in 2024

The Bears’ offense woefully underperformed last season, ranking dead last in yards per game (284.6) and 28th in scoring (18.2). They lost 10 straight games between Weeks 8-17 before outlasting the Green Bay Packers’ B-squad in the regular-season finale to finish 5-12.

Johnson, who oversaw one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses in Detroit, is now tasked with turning that unit around.

The Bears invested heavily in the offensive line in an effort to protect Williams, who was sacked a league-high 68 times last season — 16 more than any other team. They traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and signed center Drew Dalman to a three-year, $42 million deal with $28 million guaranteed.

Theoretically, a potentially big playmaker like Loveland should help as well.