Colston Loveland DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) was present but not participating during Thursday's OTA practice as he recovers from a shoulder injury, according to The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain and Adam Jahns. Loveland had surgery on his right shoulder in January to fix an AC joint dislocation and isn't ready for on-field work just yet. It's unclear if the 21-year-old 10th overall pick will be ready to take part in mandatory minicamp in early June, but the expectation is that he'll be ready to rock for the start of training camp at the end of July. The Bears still have Cole Kmet at the tight end position, but Loveland should have an immediate big role on offense in his rookie season as long as he's healthy. The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder is an excellent pass-catcher and has a high ceiling at the next level, but fantasy managers in redraft leagues should temper expectations in Year 1.

Chicago Bears rookie first-round tight end Colston Loveland (shoulder) has been unavailable during practice during rookie minicamp while rehabbing from surgery that he had on his shoulder in January. While he's unavailable for on-field work, Loveland is focusing on the mental side of things, learning the offensive scheme and developing chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams. The 21-year-old 10th overall pick in this year's NFL draft is expected to increase his activity by the time mandatory minicamp rolls around early next month, and he should be fully ready to go by training camp this summer as he enters his first year in the NFL. The Bears still have Cole Kmet at the position, but the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Loveland could be Chicago's top pass-catching TE by season's end. As he shares playing time with Kmet in Year 1, fantasy managers should temper expectations in 2025.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chicago Bears have signed first-round pick tight end Colston Loveland to a four-year, $26.6 million deal. He was one of five draft picks to sign their rookie deal on Thursday, along with new teammate, running back Kyle Monangai. The former Michigan Wolverine is officially a Bear. Loveland did not laud eye-popping stats during his time in college, but he brings a tantalizing blend of athleticism and ball skills to the field. Not only is he versatile -- able to move around the formation to cause mismatches -- but he's also drawn comparisons to Trey McBride and Sam LaPorta, the latter of which would be fitting considering his potential role in a Ben Johnson offense. The Idaho native will likely lose some work to fellow tight end Cole Kmet in 2025, but he's an excellent long-term play and should take over as the team's starter eventually.