Colston Loveland Injury: Goes 10th overall to Bears

The Bears selected Loveland (shoulder) in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, 10th overall.

Loveland becomes the first tight end off the board and the highest drafted tight end since the Falcons took Kyle Pitts fourth overall in 2021. The Michigan product is a nice fit in Chicago. He is a complete player at the position, with an ability to make plays in the passing game while also contributing in-line on blocking assignments. Loveland's stats aren't as gaudy as fellow first-round tight end prospect Tyler Warren's, but that's why context matters. Penn State made Warren the focal point of its passing attack, while Michigan did not have the passing game in place in 2024 to get much production out of Loveland, who finished his junior season with 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. Cole Kmet is still on the roster, but the Bears using the 10th overall pick on Loveland is a sign that he is going to be involved early and often. Loveland can become a reliable option up the seam for Caleb Williams, though he'll have plenty of competition for targets with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze commanding huge shares. Lastly, Loveland's shoulder injury that kept him from testing at the combine is not expected to affect his availability for training camp.