Colston Loveland Already Ranked as a Top-10 NFL Tight End. His Ceiling Is Higher.

The Chicago Bears took some heat for grabbing Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall in the 2025 draft. A tight end that high? People had questions. But one year in, those questions have turned into answers — pretty good ones for Chicago.

Loveland just landed at No. 7 on ESPN’s list of the league’s best tight ends, based on polling of NFL execs, coaches and scouts. That’s not bad for a guy who’s technically still a rookie by experience. And the people who voted on it think he’s just getting started.

“He’s unbelievable,” one NFL coordinator told Jeremy Fowler. “A smooth mover with toughness.”

An NFC scout added, “He lived up to expectations. He’s a true Y who can handle the point-of-attack run game assignments but carried over his versatile, game-impacting receiving ability that showed up during his Penn State days.”

The Rookie Numbers That Back It Up

Loveland’s first season wasn’t flashy in a highlight-reel way. It was quietly productive. He caught 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns. That put him in the conversation with veteran tight ends who’ve been doing this for years. And it wasn’t just volume — he made contested catches, moved chains and showed he could block well enough to stay on the field in running situations.

One personnel evaluator even said something that might raise eyebrows around Halas Hall: “He could be the Bears’ top receiver next year.”

That’s a big claim for a team that has other weapons. But it says something about how the league views Loveland’s potential in Year 2.

Where He Fits in the Tight End Hierarchy

Loveland and Tyler Warren were the two top tight ends in the 2025 class. Loveland went higher in the draft, but Warren — now with the Colts — came in at No. 5 on the same list. So there’s still a little competition between them. But the people who watch film for a living think Loveland’s arrow is pointed straight up.

“Expect to see more two- or three-tight-end sets from Chicago this year,” the evaluator said.

The Bears clearly want to build around him. And if he takes another step in the passing game, that No. 7 spot might not hold for long.

Loveland’s main focus is helping the Bears win. But another season like his first, and he won’t just be a rising name on a list. He’ll be the kind of player casual fans start hearing about from their friends who actually watch the film.