Cole Kmet

Loveland recently told reporters that "the plan" is for him to be ready for the start of training camp, citing "strength and mobility" as the two key factors that will determine his readiness to participate fully as he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. Regarding the "mental side of things," Loveland "has received rave reviews." He also told reporters that he plans to host his own walkthroughs in order to further learn the playbook installations, in addition to (seemingly) participating in the live walkthroughs with the team. Bair thinks No. 2 TE "Cole Kmet will be heavily involved in this offense," but clearly states that Loveland is the top receiving threat in this position group, and that he should contribute meaningfully to the Bears' passing game productivity.

Dealing with a shoulder issue, Loveland was seen in a red non-contact jersey during Bears minicamp. The rookie has reportedly run routes and lifted weights, but hasn't been given the green light to participate fully in Bears practices. "I think he's going to fit in really well once we start getting him to go full speed," Johnson said when asked about Loveland's availability, adding that the rookie has taken mental reps in offseason practice sessions. Johnson is expected to use Loveland -- the tenth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft -- along with Cole Kmet as key red zone targets for Caleb Williams. It remains to be seen if Loveland will have a full-time route-running role in 2025.

Bears rookies will return for one last organized team activities (OTAs) stretch next week, before the team's month-plus break begins. Ideally, Burden returns and is able to re-establish himself as a must-start weapon in head coach Ben Johnson's eyes. With Johnson's reported intent to feature TEs Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet in 12 personnel groupings, Burden has given the once-dog-housed DJ Moore and second-year WR Rome Odunze a chance to box out the rookie. While Burden is likely at least lock up No. 3/slot receiver duties, gaining access to two-receiver sets is critical for immediate, impactful fantasy football successes. Burden has also not yet signed his rookie contract, and one wonders what else he could be prioritizing while sidelined. Stay tuned for Burden's hopeful participation on Monday. Final rookie OTAs run from June 9-11.

In an article by Adam Jahns at The Athletic, Jahns reports that Loveland was "spotted in uniform, accompanying staff members to other practice fields" on the third and final day of minicamp. It's far from a return to practice, but according to Jahns, head coach Ben Johnson said, "at some point here in camp, we should get the green light" for Loveland to return to action. The Bears used the No. 10 overall pick in this year's draft on Loveland, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier in the offseason. The former Michigan man should have a chance to unseat veteran Cole Kmet for the starting job this offseason and could have some sneaky fantasy upside after Johnson comped him to Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who played under Johnson in Detroit.

The Bears selected Loveland, a tight end from Michigan, with the 10th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft