Ryan Poles reveals exact reasoning behind Chicago Bears’ Colston Loveland pick

The Chicago Bears had a lot of fans with their jaws on the floor when they drafted tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick. However, general manager Ryan Poles and the entire organization knew exactly what they were doing.

With Ben Johnson becoming the team’s new head coach, the Bears undoubtedly wanted to add some extra firepower to their offense. Loveland proved to be a versatile tight end over his time with Michigan, becoming a playmaker whenever the ball was in his hands.

Poles had been scouting Loveland far beyond just one season. He saw a player that fits exactly the type of roster Chicago is trying to build. Furthermore, Poles thinks Loveland will give the Bears mismatch opportunities against any defense, via his post first-round press conference.

“Someone that we’re really excited about. Both the coaching staff and front office came together, identifying a guy we really liked and thought had a dynamic skillset that can create mismatches,” Poles said. “He’s someone that pairs well with Cole [Kmet] along with other playmakers and really creates headaches for the defense we go against.

“This kid is physical, he’s tough, he plays the game the right way. When you watch the tape, there’s an energy level that comes with him and it’s infectious to other guys,” Poles continued. “When you really study him in the run game, the blocking is way better than people realize. I know he’s going to add a ton of value to our offense and our entire team.”

Colston Loveland becomes X-factor in Chicago Bears offense

Poles watched a lot of JJ McCarthy’s film with Michigan leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. But what stood out to him most was the play of Loveland. He knew in 2025 he couldn’t miss his opportunity to draft the tight end. From his work as a pass catcher to his run blocking, Poles ultimately selected Loveland for the, “totality of what he can do for us.”

Over his three years with Michigan, Loveland caught 117 passes for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns. He won a national championship with the Wolverines in 2023 and was named Second-team All-American in 2024.

While Tyler Warren got most of the TE1 buzz entering the draft, Loveland won over the Bears with his pass-catching ability. Teams will have a difficult time guarding Loveland, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet. Furthermore, Loveland is a clear favorite of Johnson’s. Perhaps it’s because he reminds of the head coach of Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who Loveland received a comparison to by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

“Talented young tight end with the athletic ability and ball skills to become an elite talent as a pass catcher. Colston plays the game like a big wideout, capable of separating from man coverage and making plays on all three levels,” Zierlein wrote. “He has good play speed and runs a route tree full of branches, allowing creative play-callers to move him around as a mismatch option. His routes can be a little hurried and lacking in detail but that should change with coaching. He’s graceful in-air and catches the ball with good timing and strong hands.”

“He will keep filling out his frame but is unlikely to ever become more than average as a blocker,” Zierlein continued. “Colston’s collection of athletic traits and catch talent creates a high ceiling with the opportunity to become a high-volume target and future Pro Bowler.”

Johnson will need to find a way to make Kmet and Loveland successfully co-exist on the gridiron. However, the Bears wouldn’t have used the No. 10 overall pick on the latter if there wasn’t a plan in place. While it may have shocked NFL fans at the time, Poles couldn’t be happier adding Loveland to the roster.