Latest news with #ColstonLoveland
CBS News
12 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
As Bears begin mandatory minicamp, tight end Cole Kmet says he's secure in position
Tuesday marked the first day of Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp, and a first chance to talk to Cole Kmet about his reaction to the Bears drafting a tight end at No. 10 overall. The Bears picked tight end Colston Loveland out of the University of Michigan in the draft in April. "At first, like, you're taken aback a little bit, but I mean, [head coach] Ben [Johnson] was awesome about it in terms of calling me right away and kind of explaining the decision," Kmet said. "You know, from there, you're just all on board on it, and you kind of understand their vision, and you know, you understand that there's going to be areas we complement each other, and then there's obviously, just like in any position we're in, there's going to be areas where we compete for things. And you know, that's football, and that's how it should be." Kmet said Coach Johnson reassured him where he stood in the team's eyes. Running back D'Andre Swift may also need some reassurance after averaging a career low 3.8 yards per carry last season, and the Bears seemingly targeting running back help by finally drafting Kyle Monangai in the seventh round. "Kins of look at it like whatever they was going to do, my mindset wasn't going to change. Whether they brought somebody in — if they throw, they don't — my mindset is coming in, like I said, go to work," said Swift. "Everybody got an opinion, entitled to their own opinion. My job is to come in here and continue to work. Like I said, I'm excited for this season. I know who I am and what I'm about." There were some notable absences on the practice field Tuesday, including Kyler Gordon and TJ Edwards — along with rookie receiver Luther Burden. They are all dealing with minor injuries. Loveland also remains sidelined recovering from shoulder surgery, but Coach Johnson did say everyone was in the building — just not all practicing.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago Bears Rookie Colston Loveland Climbs Jersey Sales Rankings
Chicago Bears Rookie Colston Loveland Climbs Jersey Sales Rankings originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Chicago Bears made headline-grabbing moves last year, shaking up their offensive identity. In a bold decision, they moved on from former quarterback Justin Fields and selected Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Now entering his second year, Williams is expected to elevate his game under new offensive coordinator Delan Doye, who brings a fresh system tailored to his strengths. With a clear commitment to surrounding Williams with talent, the Bears also added key rookies to bolster their offensive arsenal—one of whom is already generating major buzz. Advertisement Colston Loveland, the standout tight end from Michigan, has caught early attention. A former Mackey Award semifinalist, Loveland is known for his ability to exploit mismatches and create yards after the catch. According to a sports and culture platform that tracks fan engagement and merchandise trends, Loveland currently ranks No. 9 on the rookie jersey sales list, making him the highest-ranked tight end. He edges out Tyler Warren from Penn State, who sits at No. 10. This early merchandise momentum reflects the growing anticipation and excitement surrounding the rookie tight end. Colston LovelandGetty Images Topping the list is Shedeur Sanders, despite falling to the fifth round in the draft. 'At this point, Sanders leads all rookies in jersey sales,' Fanatics told CLLCT. 'And it has been that way for the entire month.' Bears OTAGetty Images Loveland is currently sidelined after undergoing shoulder surgery, which has kept him out of OTAs. In an April 25, 2025 interview captured by Chicago State of Mind Sports, he shared a positive update on his recovery: 'Yeah. So, um, so it's six months was the timetable. Um, we're three out right now and it feels great. I got full range of motion and everything.' The team remains optimistic about his return. In 2024 at Michigan, he recorded 56 receptions for 582 yards, despite missing three games due to the injury. The season before, he logged 45 receptions for 649 yards. Even with the missed time, Loveland broke the single-season record for most receptions by a tight end in Michigan history. Fans and coaches alike are eager to see him bring that same playmaking ability to the Bears' evolving offense. Advertisement Related: Bears Coach Delivers Harsh Message to Struggling Rookie Related: Bears Coaches Send Clear Message to Caleb Williams This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where does the Vikings tight end group rank in the NFC North in 2025?
Where does the Vikings tight end group rank in the NFC North in 2025? We are continuing a Summer series here on Vikings Wire, ranking the position groups across the division. The major pit stops of the offseason have come and gone, which means rosters are set for the most part. Now, could someone pull off a major trade or sign a veteran free agent down the line? Of course, and they likely will based on our luck to throw things off. Regardless, we wanted to do this exercise just to give you, the reader, a state of the division. At the end of each article, we will also provide a recap of the scorecards so that we can keep a running tally for you to keep track of and see who has the best roster in the division. Next up are the Tight Ends in the NFC North. 4) Chicago Bears Depth Chart: Colston Loveland, Cole Kmet, Durham Smythe, Stephen Carlson, and Joel Wilson Rookies have been hard to ignore in these rankings, and Colston Loveland with the Bears is just another example of that. The incoming tight end from Michigan is poised to play the Sam LaPorta role in Ben Johnson's offense in Chicago, so he could very well make this group one of the best this time next year. Behind him is Cole Kmet, who has proven to be a good tight end, but not a great one. All in all, it's an outstanding group, but the division is once again very deep at this position. Depth Chart: T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Gavin Bartholomew, Ben Yurosek, and Bryson Nesbit T.J. Hockenson has proven to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL, and the Vikings have paid him as such. Despite that, he was slow out of the gate coming off a torn ACL in 2024 so he will look to bounce back in 2025. On top of that, the Vikings also lack the depth of the teams ahead of them so sadly they fall in at the three spot here in our rankings. Depth Chart: Tucker Kraft, Luke Musgrave, Ben Sims, John FitzPatrick, Messiah Swinson, and Johnny Lumpkin The one-two punch of Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft is one of the best and most underrated tight end duos in the NFL. For Kraft, especially, he has become one of the best tight ends in the NFL at picking up yards after the catch, as well as a reliable redzone target. Musgrave is not to be forgotten either, but he has shown he still has some growing to do. Once he hits his stride, this duo will be unstoppable for the Packers. Depth Chart: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, Kenny Yeboah, and Luke Deal It may seem like I am going against myself, but Sam LaPorta is enough to tip the scales for the Lions here to give them the best group. Before I talk about him, it is worth highlighting that Brock Wright does not get enough love like he deserves because of the role he is tasked with. Back to LaPorta now, the Lions struck gold with him, the same way they did with Jahmyr Gibbs.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bears rookie Colston Loveland says Caleb Williams does everything the right way
The Chicago Bears added to their growing and youthful offense during the 2025 NFL draft, which included the addition of tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th pick. Adding Loveland, along with wide receiver Luther Burden III, expands the collection of weapons for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams. With new playmakers and a new coaching staff, led by head coach Ben Johnson, Williams has all the tools and resource to have a breakout second season. Advertisement While his rookie year wasn't bad from an individual stat performance, throwing for 3,541 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just six interceptions, the Bears went 5-12 in a disappointing 2024 season. Kay Adams recently caught up with Loveland and discussed his relationship with his new quarterback and how they've jelled together. "It has been good," Loveland said. "He's super cool, you can tell he definitely does everything the right way. He's always grinding in the playbook, having walkthroughs, calling us in, it's been great. I'm excited, I'm excited to get out there and get things rolling." The Bears will only go as far as Williams can take them as he looks to progress in his second year under his new head coach. There was plenty of controversy, drama, and disappointment in his rookie season, but with playmakers like Loveland in place, there's going to be a plethora of weapons available for him to succeed. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Colston Loveland: Caleb Williams does everything the right way
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears WR Luther Burden III dubbed breakout rookie candidate
The Chicago Bears welcomed some big new additions to the roster this offseason, including a rookie draft class that includes second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III. Burden, projected by many to be a first-round pick, fell right into the waiting arms of new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who has big plans for the rookie in his star-studded offense. And it sounds like NFL analysts are expecting big things from Burden in Year 1. Advertisement USA Today's Tyler Dragon chose one breakout rookie candidate from each NFL team. For the Bears, there are a few options, including first-round tight end Colston Loveland. But Dragon believes Burden has the potential to thrive at an important position in Ben Johnson's offense. Chicago had a void at slot receiver after they let Keenan Allen walk in free agency. Burden has a chance to replace Allen in the slot. Some scouts considered him a first-round talent despite him slipping into the second round. Burden's already motivated to make teams 'pay' for passing on him. There will be no shortage of weapons for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who has receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Burden, as well as tight ends Cole Kmet and Loveland. But Johnson has discussed the importance of the slot receiver in his offense, and that's where Burden projects to play, as he excelled there in college. While there's only one ball and plenty of mouths to feed, Burden has the potential to cash in at a key position in this Chicago offense. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears WR Luther Burden III dubbed breakout rookie candidate
