.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
The Chicago Bears drafted Colston Loveland with the No. 10 overall pick during the 2025 NFL Draft, and while it took him a little bit of time to get going in his rookie year, he took off as the season came to a close.
Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams began utilizing the dynamic tight end in a big way, and for the upcoming 2026 season, the sky is the limit for Loveland as he tries to become one of the best tight ends in the NFL.
But, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN and the poll conducted on various NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, Loveland is already a top-10 TE in the NFL. Not only that, but one coordinator said that the Bears' second-year TE is "unbelievable."
Colston Loveland ranked top-10 TE in NFL with 'unbelievable' praise
"7. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears. Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: Unranked," Fowler writes. "Loveland's production over last season's final four games showed exactly where his career is going: upward."
The Bears' tight end is already ranked as a top-10 TE in the NFL, coming in at No. 7 after a promising rookie season. It's a well-deserved top-10 ranking for Loveland.
In his rookie year, he caught 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns with another 12 receptions for 193 yards during the playoffs.
But what really stands out is his production as the season went along. He caught just 11 passes for 116 yards and no touchdowns through the first six weeks of the season.
MORE: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson ranks higher than Lions’ Jaymir Gibbs in ESPN RB rankings
Then, after a 118-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, it was off to the races for the Bears' rookie tight end.
The 22-year-old Michigan tight end is already a top-10 TE in the NFL, and as one NFL personnel evaluator said, "(Loveland) could be the Bears' top receiver next year. Expect to see more two- or three-tight-end sets from Chicago this year."
With the amount of praise levied Loveland's way, and the potential for another breakout year in 2026, this time next year, the Bears tight end might end up even higher on ESPN's ranking, potentially making the top-three if 2026 is as good as it feels like it can be.
More NFL news:
- Broncos’ signing of J.K. Dobbins receives criticism from ESPN analyst
- How 49ers' problem with Brandon Aiyuk might've been solved without a trade or release
- Raiders trade pitch sends Maxx Crosby to Cowboys for George Pickens
- Commanders sign former Eagles Super Bowl champion CB Rasul Douglas to free agent deal
- Seattle Seahawks trail only Rams and Eagles in ESPN's 2026 roster rankings
English (US)