Introduction to the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft has been a subject of interest for many football fans, and one of the most intriguing moves made on the opening night was by the Chicago Bears. They selected tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th pick, leaving many to wonder what the team was thinking, given that they already have an established starter at that position in Cole Kmet.
The Bears’ Decision-Making Process
The team had given Kmet a four-year, $50 million contract extension less than two years ago, which makes the selection of Loveland seem puzzling at first glance. By choosing Loveland, the Bears passed on other talented players at positions of need, such as defensive line players Mykel Williams, Jaylon Walker, Kenneth Grant, and Walter Nolen. This decision begs the question of what the Bears saw in Loveland that made him a priority.
Expert Analysis
According to experts, the selection of Loveland is more about what he brings to the table that the Bears don’t currently have on their roster – superior athleticism that compares to another star player with the Detroit Lions. ESPN Draft Analyst Matt Miller noted, "Look at what Ben Johnson did with Sam LaPorta when he was the Lions’ offensive coordinator: That’s who Loveland will be in Chicago." Pro Football Network NFL draft analyst Ian Cummings agrees, adding that Loveland, who played injured last season, is a "true X-factor with all-encompassing alignment versatility and dynamism in the pass game."
The Role of Loveland in the Bears’ Offense
Loveland doesn’t exactly replace Kmet; instead, the Bears can play both tight ends simultaneously in an offensive formation called 12 personnel (1 running back, two wide receivers, two tight ends). This allows them to be a more versatile offense, either running the ball or creating mismatches with their talented pass catchers. After Thursday, the offense, particularly quarterback Caleb Williams, appears to be the biggest winner.
Building Around Caleb Williams
NFL Media Analyst Bucky Brooks said that Johnson "is building this offense to elevate second-year QB Caleb Williams," calling Loveland a dominant middle-of-the-field target. Miller’s post-draft assessment echoes the same belief, stating, "As Chicago looks to build around quarterback Caleb Williams, the offense now has Loveland, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, and DJ Moore. That collection of talent for Johnson and Williams to work with is exciting."
Competitive Division
Because the Bears play in the NFL’s most competitive division, scoring points will be a premium. With Loveland, they acquired a player to help them keep pace with the high-powered offenses in Green Bay, Minnesota, and, of course, Detroit.
Conclusion
The Bears’ decision to draft Colston Loveland may have raised eyebrows, but it’s clear that the team sees him as a key component in building a more versatile and dynamic offense around quarterback Caleb Williams. With Loveland on board, the Bears are poised to make a significant impact in the competitive NFL division.
FAQs
- Q: Why did the Bears draft Colston Loveland when they already have Cole Kmet?
- A: The Bears drafted Loveland for his superior athleticism and versatility, which they believe will complement Kmet and enhance their offense.
- Q: What role will Loveland play in the Bears’ offense?
- A: Loveland will play alongside Kmet in a 12 personnel formation, allowing the Bears to be more versatile and create mismatches.
- Q: How does this draft pick impact quarterback Caleb Williams?
- A: The pick is expected to elevate Williams’ game, providing him with a dominant middle-of-the-field target and more options for offense.
- Q: What are the expectations for the Bears in their division?
- A: With Loveland, the Bears aim to keep pace with the high-powered offenses in their division, including those of Green Bay, Minnesota, and Detroit.
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— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 25, 2025
Tacuma Roeback, Managing Editor
Tacuma R. Roeback is the Managing Editor for the Chicago Defender.
His journalism, non-fiction, and fiction have appeared in the Smithsonian Magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tennessean, South Florida Sun-Sentinel, Phoenix New Times, HipHopDX.com, Okayplayer.com, The Shadow League, SAGE: The Encyclopedia of Identity, Downstate Story, Tidal Basin Review, and Reverie: Midwest African American Literature.
He is an alumnus of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, Chicago State University, and Florida A&M University.
