Latest news with #TakeTheNorth
USA Today
17-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst raves about Bears TE Colston Loveland's route running
NFL analyst raves about Bears TE Colston Loveland's route running The Chicago Bears made a splash with the selection of tight end Colston Loveland in the first round. It was a position that didn't seem necessary with veteran Cole Kmet already penciled in as the top starter. But Loveland has already drawn comparisons to Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who broke out under the tutelage of Ben Johnson, who is now the head coach in Chicago. The addition of Loveland means just another weapon for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who will also see another rookie playmaker in second-round wide receiver Luther Burden. Analysts are taking note of Chicago's additions this offseason, and NFL on CBS commentator Charles Davis is a big fan of Loveland. Appearing on the "Take The North" podcast, Davis explained what he likes the most about Loveland's ability to run routes. "His ability to not just use his body for that subtle push-off, use his body to be physical and bounce off a guy. He can do those things, but he can do them with footwork as well," Davis said. "He's very deft in his movement, a little subtlety, he's got very good head faking. He makes catches and contested catches, and let's face it, with Ben Johnson coming from Detroit with Sam LaPorta, there's an easy comparison there." The addition of Loveland could not only improve the passing game for Williams, but it could bring an elite tight end to Chicago, especially given the comparisons he's received before even stepping onto the field. Kmet is not bad by any stretch of the imagination, but analysts, scouts, and everyone in between has raved about Loveland, and the Bears may have a star on their hands. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
14-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL analyst explains what makes Bears rookie WR Luther Burden special
NFL analyst explains what makes Bears rookie WR Luther Burden special The Chicago Bears used their first two selections in the 2025 NFL draft to add two weapons for quarterback Caleb Williams in tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden. Those two rookies should have a big part in new head coach Ben Johnson's offense, which should help get the team back to winning ways (as long as Williams takes the next step in his career development). Landing Burden came as a bit of a surprise after the Bears drafted Rome Odunze in the first round last year, and they already have DJ Moore as their top receiver. The receiver room not only got deeper but much more talented with the selection of Burden, and football analysts are taking notice. CBS Sports analyst Charles Davis appeared on the "Take The North" podcast with Mark Grote and Dan Wiederer, where he talked about Burden and the impact he can have in his rookie season. "He's not quicker than fast cause he's both, a lot of times your slot receivers are way more quick than they are fast, in this case, you get both out of him," Davis said. "Really good hands, great determination after the catch. I did a player comp for him and it was Jayden Reed of the Green Bay Packers. If you watch them play, body types are similar, routes they run are similar, what they do with the ball in their hands after the catch is similar. They bounce off people, run through people, run away from people, the whole deal." Bears fans may not love the comparison to a Packers wide receiver, but the talent level that Burden has is undeniable. It'll be interesting to see how Ben Johnson gets Caleb Williams to distribute the ball to an abundance of weapons, but they'll definitely have plenty of options and Burden could be quite the contributor in his rookie season. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
