NFL Exec Says Bears' Colston Loveland 'will Be Better Than Sam LaPorta' for HC Johnson
Paul Kasabian
May 2, 2025
One NFL executive believes that Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland will be better than Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, per remarks made to Mike Sando of The Athletic.
'Loveland is going to catch a million balls,” the executive told Sando. “He will be better than (Sam) LaPorta. He is such a good receiver, and he’s bigger — two inches taller and another 10 pounds. They will have an 11 personnel package with Burden in the slot and the 12 package when Burden is off the field with Loveland and Kmet on the field. They are set up pretty well.”
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The Bears are now coached by former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who just worked with LaPorta for his first two NFL seasons after being drafted out of Iowa in 2023. LaPorta caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023 before adding a 60/726/7 stat line in 2024.
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That's impressive production for a tight end, making the NFL executive's comments more notable. However, Loveland enters the league with plenty of potential, especially after being selected 10th overall in last month's NFL draft. The B/R NFL Scouting Department ranked Loveland as the 13th overall player and top tight end in this year's draft.
Loveland joins a promising Bears team now led by Johnson, who just oversaw the NFL's top-scoring offense. Johnson has plenty of talent to work with in Chicago, including quarterback Caleb Williams, wide receivers D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze and tight ends Loveland and Cole Kmet.
Ultimately, the opportunities should be there for Loveland to be productive like La Porta or even more so, especially given his talent, potential and Johnson's leadership and acumen.
Bears Reportedly Adamant Cole Kmet Will Have Significant Role After Drafting Loveland
Doric Sam
Apr 29, 2025
Despite using the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NFL draft to select tight end Colston Loveland, the Chicago Bears reportedly still have big plans for veteran tight end Cole Kmet.
According to ESPN's Courtney Cronin, the Bears "are adamant Kmet will maintain a significant role" in the offense during the 2025 campaign.
Loveland, who starred at Michigan, is still rehabbing a shoulder injury and "won't see the field for several months," per Cronin. While it will take some time to figure out how both tight ends can be utilized at the same time, Chicago appears to be committed to Kmet despite his dip in production last season.
After recording 73 catches for 719 yards and six touchdowns in 2023, Kmet was limited to 47 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns during the 2024 campaign. He was targeted just 55 times while rookie quarterback Caleb Williams led the passing attack, ranking fourth on the team.
Across his three seasons at Michigan, Loveland produced 117 receptions for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Bears made him the first tight end off the board in this year's draft, surprisingly selecting him over Penn State star Tyler Warren.
Chicago is entering a new era under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, and it appears that the franchise is confident that it made the right choice to add Loveland as a complement to Kmet.
Bears Fans Praise Colston Loveland Draft Pick Over Tyler Warren for Caleb Williams
Scott Polacek
Apr 24, 2025
The Chicago Bears added another weapon for quarterback Caleb Williams in Thursday's NFL draft.
Chicago selected Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall selection, which was a head-turning move since Penn State's Tyler Warren was still on the board.
There was no shortage of speculation leading up to the draft that the Bears could trade up to perhaps target a player such as Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty. However, Jeanty ended up going No. 6 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Bears stayed put at No. 10 and used their selection on the Wolverines' weapon.
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Social media naturally had plenty of reaction to the move:
Chicago Selects Michigan TE Colston Loveland 10th Overall
They add not just a tight end but an offensive weapon. Loveland can be used in a variety of ways by Ben Johnson, who leaned heavily into 2 TE formations in Detroit.
From @dpbrugler on new Bears TE Colston Loveland: "With his speed and ball skills, Loveland can line up anywhere on the field and win as a quarterback-friendly, multilevel receiving threat." pic.twitter.com/Updkq9wyOZ
I would have loved to see the Bears land Ashton Jeanty tonight, but Colston Loveland was my Plan B for the Bears in my mock draft earlier this week at @BN_Bears: pic.twitter.com/lfo7FE5eJQ
Initial take - Colston Loveland, he's the move TE in the Offense, line him out wide to see what the coverage is, move him to POA as a blocker in space, but don't try to rely on him to help a Tackle or hold an Edge vs a D End. Very good hands, easy separator from Linebackers.… pic.twitter.com/Hw9yi83K2f
Bears fans will surely compare Loveland's production to Warren's during their NFL careers since their team could have had either of them with this pick. For what it's worth, B/R's NFL Scouting Department ranked Loveland as the best tight end in the draft and Warren as the second-best in its latest big board.
It also listed Loveland as the tight end who is the best receiver and the most pro-ready, so look for him to immediately step into Chicago's lineup.
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And he is yet another weapon for the Bears, who just hired an offensive-minded head coach in Ben Johnson who will surely draw up ways to get him involved alongside incumbent tight end Cole Kmet.
With DJ Moore and Rome Odunze on the outside to go with Loveland and Kmet at tight end, don't be surprised if the Bears use one of their multiple second-round picks on a running back during Friday's draft.
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After all, the offensive line isn't as much of an issue after they added Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson this offseason. That gives them the ability to add playmakers in the offense who can put Williams in the best position to succeed as he becomes more experienced at the NFL level.
Loveland fits the bill as a game-changing playmaker, and he will face plenty of single coverage with secondaries so focused on Moore, Odunze and Kmet. Look for him to take full advantage of those situations.
Bears Reportedly Trying to Trade Up in 2025 NFL Draft Amid Ashton Jeanty Rumors
Paul Kasabian
Apr 24, 2025
The Chicago Bears are trying to trade up from No. 10 overall in hopes of landing Boise State running back and Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty, per The Athletic's Dianna Russini.
The Bears are among teams making calls in an attempt to trade up, per sources.
Teams believe Chicago is trying to move up from No. 10 in an effort to land Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty. pic.twitter.com/7cbwbTeCGl
Jeanty, who finished second in the 2024 Heisman Trophy race, led the nation with 2,739 yards from scrimmage and 30 touchdowns last season.
Sportsbook movement is trending toward Jeanty going No. 5 overall, but they are also trending toward Chicago picking him there. The Jacksonville Jaguars currently occupy the No. 5 spot in the draft.
"At multiple sportsbooks, the Bears are now favored to take Jeanty — and Jeanty is still favored to go off the board at No. 5 overall. That would require a trade between the Bears, who currently own the No. 10 pick, and the Jaguars, who currently own the No. 5 pick.
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"There have been no reports about the Bears and Jaguars working on a trade, but often when betting odds shift dramatically, that’s a sign that someone knows something."
One can connect some dots here, too. Russini reported that sources tell her that the Jaguars are expected to "make a splash." A trade down with the Bears to acquire more picks could very well be that splash.
Teams picking in the top 10 have shared over the last hour they expect the Jaguars to make a splash tonight, per sources.
Jeanty would be a huge pickup for new head coach Ben Johnson, who is tasked with jump-starting an offense that was a bitter disappointment last year. Johnson was a mastermind for the Detroit Lions as their offensive coordinator for the past three seasons. Detroit had a strong run game each year, never better than 2024, when Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery led the way.
Jeanty could be the engine of the Bears' offense, which needs more help around franchise quarterback and 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick Caleb Williams. But it seems Chicago is going to have to trade up to get the No. 6 overall player on the B/R NFL Scouting Department big board.
Ashton Jeanty Favored to Be Drafted by Bears in Latest 2025 NFL Draft Odds amid Rumors
Zach Bachar
Apr 24, 2025
Ashton Jeanty could find himself playing NFC North football as a rookie.
The Boise State running back is now favored to be selected by the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL draft with -135 odds, via DraftKings Sportsbook.
ASHTON JEANTY IS -135 TO GO TO THE BEARS.
ASHTON JEANTY IS ALSO -250 TO BE DRAFTED WITH THE NO. 5 PICK.
Chicago owns the No. 10 overall pick in the draft.
ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported that "multiple personnel people" around the league believe the Bears are "praying" Jeanty is still on the board at No. 10.
Chicago could also be aggressive and trade up to ensure it acquires the running back.
Sports Illustrated'sAlbert Breer listed the Bears as a team that may decide to trade up for Jeanty.
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The 21-year-old was dominant throughout his 2024 season at Boise State, breaking tackles and evading defenders on a weekly basis.
Jeanty easily led the country with 2,601 rushing yards, scoring 30 total touchdowns to finish No. 2 in Heisman Trophy voting. He remained efficient despite his heavy workload, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
He operated as the offensive engine of a Broncos team that finished with a 12-2 record, winning the Mountain West and making a College Football Playoff appearance.
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Jeanty is listed as the No. 1 running back and No. 6 overall prospect in the 2025 draft class on the latest big board from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department.
B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson highlighted his physical running style in his scouting report.
"Jeanty has an elite-level contact balance and is difficult to bring down," Parson wrote. "He pinballs off defenders and absorbs their attempted tackles while staying on his feet. Jeanty is a yards-after-contact merchant—his ability to get stronger upon defensive contact is impressive."
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Chicago could potentially pair Jeanty with D'Andre Swift, who amassed a career-high 1,345 all-purpose yards in 2024.
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson utilized a two-headed rushing attack during his tenure as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, helping Detroit own the NFL's No. 6 rushing offense in 2024.
The first round of the 2025 draft will begin on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET.
Bears Legend, Hall of Famer Steve McMichael Dies at 67 After ALS Diagnosis
Andrew Peters
Apr 23, 2025
Chicago Bears legend and NFL Hall of Famer Steve McMichael died at the age of 67 on Wednesday after suffering with ALS.
Jarrett Payton, son of McMichael's former teammate Walter Payton, announced McMichael's death on social media.
"With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones," he wrote. "I'm grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers."
With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with #ALS, surrounded by loved ones. I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family your prayers. 🙏🏽 #Bears
McMichael, who played from 1980 to 1994, recorded 213 games, 171 starts, 847 tackles and 95 sacks over the course of his career. The two-time Pro Bowler has the fourth-most sacks among defensive tackles in NFL history.
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He was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1980 but joined the Bears in 1981. He played in Chicago for 13 seasons, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 1986. He ended his career with the Green Bay Packers in 1994.
Shortly after his NFL career ended, McMichael moved on to a new sport. He joined the World Wrestling Federation in 1995, touring with New York Giants legend Lawrence Taylor's team.
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He then worked as a color commentator for World Championship Wrestling before getting back in the ring in 1996, eventually joining the Four Horsemen stable alongside Ric Flair.
The World Just Lost The Incredible Steve “Mongo” McMichael! He Was My Best Friend Through It All! An Amazing Athlete And Human Being! I Have The Fondest Memories Working With Him, And This Is An Extremely Heartbreaking Loss For Me! I Love You Mongo! You Fought One Hell Of A… pic.twitter.com/yq2YHfWKmf
AEW and the wrestling world mourns the passing of pro wrestler and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Steve “Mongo” McMichael. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/fC2IzmsDVV
McMichael revealed his ALS diagnosis in 2021. He was the first recipient of the ALS Courage Award and earned his spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August last year.
Zah Frazier NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Chicago Bears CB
Matt Holder
Apr 22, 2025
The Chicago Bears selected UTSA CB Zah Frazier with the No. 169 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Zah Frazier is a tall, long-limbed cornerback with intriguing physical traits and a play style well-suited for zone-heavy schemes.
At 6'3" and 189 pounds, Frazier uses his length to his advantage in press and zone coverage, disrupting passing lanes and making it difficult for receivers to win at the catch point. With a JUCO All-American background and a productive senior season at UTSA, Frazier is an ascending prospect with the potential to contribute as a developmental player in the NFL.
Zah Frazier Highlights
Frazier's length and straight-line speed are his best assets in coverage. When he can get his hands on a receiver in press coverage, he does a great job staying in the hip pocket and disrupting routes. His ball skills are evident, as he can track the ball in the air and make plays at the catch point.
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In zone coverage, Frazier is at his best using his length and vision to stay on top of routes and break on shorter throws. However, his high pad level and occasional hip tightness limit his ability to sink and transition out of breaks, leaving him vulnerable to quicker receivers. Additionally, he can be overly handsy when playing the ball with his back to the quarterback, which could lead to penalties in the NFL.
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Frazier is an aggressive and willing run defender who comes up quickly to support the edge. He uses good leverage when approaching the ball-carrier, and his long frame allows him to long-arm blockers. However, his physicality is inconsistent, as he sometimes relies too much on diving at legs rather than driving through tackles, which can lead to missed opportunities in the open field. His willingness to get involved is a positive, but he'll need to refine his tackling technique to avoid being shrugged off by stronger runners.
Frazier projects as a late-round developmental prospect with the tools to become a contributor in a zone-heavy defensive scheme in the NFL. His length, ball skills and aggressiveness in the run game make him an intriguing option for teams looking for depth at cornerback. While he needs to improve his tackling consistency and refine his ability to transition out of breaks, his physical traits give him a solid foundation to build upon.
Frazier's upside as a special teamer and rotational outside corner makes him a worthwhile investment in the later rounds.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 189
HAND: 8¼"
ARM: 33⅛"
WINGSPAN: 80⅜"
40-YARD DASH: 4.36
3-CONE: 7.00
SHUTTLE: 4.26
VERTICAL: 37"
BROAD: 10'6"
POSITIVES
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— Excellent length with long arms. Does a good job staying in the hip pocket when he's able to get his hands on the receiver.
— Long strider who runs well downfield. Has the speed to carry receivers when he gets to top speed.
— Shows the ball skills to track and play the ball in the air. Uses his length well to break up passes.
— Aggressive and willing in the run game. Comes up quickly to support the run with good leverage.
NEGATIVES
— Fights against his size and pad level. Lacks ideal twitch out of breaks, showing some hip tightness at times when swiveling. Can be slower when redirecting.
— Inconsistent tackling, especially in the open field. Willing but lacks the physicality to drive through the ball-carrier, leading to him diving at legs and being shrugged off at times.
Shemar Turner NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Chicago Bears DL
Matt Holder
Apr 22, 2025
The Chicago Bears selected Texas A&M DL Shemar Turner with the No. 62 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Shemar Turner is a developmental prospect who could become a solid 3-technique defensive tackle in a penetrating, one-gap type of defense. He's big, strong and athletic with some impressive traits.
However, Turner's technique needs a lot of work. He plays with high pad level and is often late and wide when shooting his hands, exposing his chest and leading to inconsistencies against the run. That gets exposed the most against double teams and combo blocks as he'll get pushed out of his gap when taking on two offensive linemen.
Shemar Turner Highlights
Additionally, those issues impact the effectiveness of his bull rush and restrict his pass-rush arsenal. He does have a couple of moves, like a swim or hump, that he can catch offensive linemen leaning with, but he's often ineffective against linemen who have good technique, which will be an issue at the next level.
That being said, Turner has an impressive get-off that he can get penetration with and be disruptive when his hands and pad level are right. He's a ball of clay, but a good defensive line coach could mold him into a quality NFL defensive tackle.
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MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'3"
WEIGHT: 290
HAND: 10¼”
ARM: 33⅝”
WINGSPAN: 81⅛”
POSITIVES
— Good size and length for an NFL defensive tackle.
— Quick off the ball and accelerates off the line well to get penetration when one-gapping.
— When he lifts his hands straight up from the ground and keeps them tight, he has the strength to win at the point of attack and get extension on blocks.
— Solid athlete to help avoid getting reached in the running game or set up pass-rush moves.
— Has decent swim and hump moves to catch offensive linemen leaning.
— Good pass-rush motor.
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NEGATIVES
— Plays with high pad level and often has a narrow base when taking on blocks, resulting in him getting washed inside against down blocks and double teams.
— Poor use of hands, inconsistent with how quickly he gets his hands up and often has wide placement to expose his chest as a run defender and pass-rusher.
— Bull rush is ineffective due to high pad level and sub-par leg drive after contact.
— Lacks a go-to pass-rush move he can win with when offensive linemen use proper technique.
NOTES
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— Born Jan. 14, 2003
— A 5-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports
— Injuries: 2025 (Stress fracture in foot, had rod inserted, missed Senior Bowl), 2024 (Torn labrum in shoulder, offseason surgery, Shin, offseason surgery), 2022 (Undisclosed, missed 1 game)
Bears' Ryan Poles Expects 'Weird' 2025 NFL Draft amid Latest Trade Rumors
Joseph Zucker
Apr 22, 2025
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is preparing for a variety of outcomes during the 2025 NFL draft.
"This one is gonna be a little wild but we’re prepared for all the scenarios that will pop up," he told reporters Tuesday.
Poles added that there's a "lot of phone calls going on right now" and a "large pool of very good football players."
Fans can at least rule out one potential blockbuster.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that "the consensus around the league" is the Tennessee Titans will hold onto the No. 1 overall pick. That strengthens the perception they intend to take Miami's Cam Ward, who's widely considered the best quarterback available.
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When it comes to Colorado's Shedeur Sanders, teams may not be tripping over themselves to trade up for him, either.
The New Orleans Saints moved up from ninth to sixth in order to land Sanders in Bleacher Report's most recent mock draft. However, NOLA.com's Jeff Duncan said Tuesday, "I think I can safely say that it won't be Shedeur Sanders," in reference to the team's likely choice.
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In general, this simply isn't a robust draft class. On Bleacher Report's big board, only six players received an overall grade of 8.5 or higher, which is the cutoff for surefire first-round talent.
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The teams near the top of the draft have an incentive to stay where they are because the elite prospects are few and far between. Once you get past the top 10 or so, the value between one player and the next-best option may not be enough to justify a trade up.
"Multiple teams have said the player who will be drafted at No. 10 is the same quality as the player drafted at No. 32," ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Monday. "It will be about each team's preference, but in the opinion of multiple personnel people, there is not a tremendous amount of difference."
Of course, the opposite is just as true when it comes to hypothetical trades. When a general manager is unlikely to lose much by moving down, he might be more receptive to offers.
Nobody ever knows with 100 percent certainty how the draft will unfold. To Poles' point, this year is particularly tough to read thanks to a few different factors.
NFL Execs Reportedly Feel 'Bears Are Praying' Ashton Jeanty Falls to No. 10 in Draft
Zach Bachar
Apr 21, 2025
There's a feeling around the league that the Chicago Bears are looking to target Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"There are multiple personnel people who believe the Bears are praying that Jeanty slips to them at No. 10," Schefter reported Monday. "They think new Bears coach Ben Johnson could feature Jeanty and D'Andre Swift as a two-headed duo the way the Lions did with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs when Johnson was Detroit's offensive coordinator."
Chicago is attempting to improve upon a 5-12 finish in 2024 and build around quarterback Caleb Williams moving forward, hiring Johnson as its new head coach on Jan. 20.
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The former offensive coordinator helped the Detroit Lions put together the NFL's No. 1 scoring offense and No. 6 rushing attack in 2024.
Gibbs GONE! The @Lions extend their lead late in the 4th!
On the other hand, the Bears finished last season ranking No. 28 in scoring offense and No. 25 in rushing offense.
Drafting Jeanty should immediately provide a boost to Chicago's running back room, as he's coming off a stellar 2024 campaign at Boise State. He led the country with 2,601 rush yards while scoring 30 total touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per carry.
In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department, the Bears were projected to select Jeanty at No. 10.
Potentially pairing him alongside Swift, who amassed a career-high 1,345 yards from scrimmage in 2024, appears to be an enticing option for Chicago.
