Ben Johnson’s immediate 6-word message to Chicago Bears’ first-round pick

The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world when they selected tight end Colston Loveland with their No. 10 overall pick. But for new head coach Ben Johnson, Loveland was at the top of his big board.

The Bears had been heavily tied to fellow tight end Tyler Warren during the pre-draft process and he was available at their pick. However, the franchise decided they liked what Loveland brings to the table more. Now, the versatile pass catcher will take on a focal role in Johnson’s new offense.

Whenever a team drafts a player, the front office and coaching staff call the prospect to welcome them to the organization. Both general manager Ryan Poles and Johnson were hyped up giving Loveland his draft call. The head coach sent a message to the tight end about his expectations enter his rookie season. Needless to say, Johnson couldn’t be more amped about the selection, via the team’s Instagram account.

“You’re exactly what we’re looking for,” Johnson told Loveland.

“We’re cooking with hot grease, man, I’m telling you. Smart, tough, explosive. I know exactly what we’re getting man. It’s beautiful. Let’s go win some games.”

Loveland marked Johnson’s first pick as head coach. The tight end was honored and already ready to join the Bears.

“I can’t wait to be a Bear,” Loveland said.

Colston Loveland becomes Ben Johnson’s latest weapon

Bears fans should get used to hearing the comparison between Loveland and Sam LaPorta. Johnson found a way to implement the tight end into the offense immediately and help him become one of the biggest stars at the position. If Johnson can do the same for Loveland, no one will be laughing at the Bears’ selection.

Still, that’ll be lofty expectations for Loveland to reach, especially as a rookie. During LaPorta’s rookie season, he caught 86 passes for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. With Cole Kmet on the roster, the Bears will likely have a more balanced approach. However, Chicago didn’t use the No. 10 pick on Loveland for him to sit on the bench. Johnson will now be tasked with molding him in his vision and helping him become a key piece of the offense.

During his three years and 39 game at Michigan, Loveland caught 117 passes for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns. He won a national championship with the Wolverines in 2023 before setting new career-highs in receptions and touchdowns (five in 2024. Loveland ended his run at Michigan as a Second-team All-American nominee.

While he plays tight end, Loveland operates more as a big bodied wide receiver. He has the speed to get past linebackers and the physicality to battle for the ball. Having Kmet available in the short game with Loveland as an intermediate option gives the Bears a much more dynamic passing offense. Add in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze and as Johnson put it, Chicago is “cooking with grease.”

Of course, the Bears will need to prove it on the gridiron. Johnson ran plenty of two-tight end sets with the Detroit Lions, but will it work in the Windy City? After using their No. 10 overall pick on Loveland, Johnson and the Bears are counting on it.