Meta: NFL insider Ian Rapoport believes teams may have tried to trade up for Michigan tight end Colston Loveland in Round 1 of the draft.
The Chicago Bears’ selection of Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft caused controversy, not because of the selection per se, but rather because of what transpired later.
Before the Bears moved, several clubs were making calls and arranging possible trade-ups, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The phones ceased ringing as soon as Loveland’s name was stated.
That silence might say a lot about how much clubs valued Loveland and how close the Bears were to losing him.
Ian Rapoport Suggests Colston Loveland Drew Trade-Up Interest in Round 1 of the NFL Draft
Several teams were interested in the 10th pick, possibly for Loveland himself, as Rapoport disclosed on The Pat McAfee Show. The Houston Texans and Denver Broncos were touted; both teams allegedly considered trade-up options before the Bears finalized their selection.
“I’m beginning to hear that a couple of teams are actively trying to trade up before the draft,” Rapoport stated. “I heard that the Broncos and Texans were… The Bears take Colston Loveland at ten, and all the calls end.
Ian Rapoport saying teams were actively trying to trade up in the 1st round until the Chicago Bears drafted TE Colston Loveland 10th overall.
Then the calls stopped. 👀
pic.twitter.com/YBS4UCWP0i— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) April 28, 2025
The timeframe is telling, but it’s not conclusive proof. Although teams saw more, many analysts viewed Loveland as a late-first or early-second-round talent. He is a mismatch nightmare for defenders because of his superb hands, fluid route-running abilities, and great size (6’5″).
It’s understandable why front offices were interested in him, given his leadership and background at a program as strong as Michigan.
Loveland was a vital offensive component during his college career and helped Michigan win the national championship in 2023.
Because of his ability to spread the field and dominate in the red zone, he was one of quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s most reliable targets. He finished with over 700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2024, earning him All-American status.
In addition to providing top rookie quarterback Caleb Williams with a dependable safety valve, the Bears’ pick of Loveland prevents other teams—possibly even within their own conference—from acquiring him. Chicago obviously valued both the player and the strategic benefit.
In his post-draft press conference, Bears head coach Ben Johnson stated, “We loved the person just as much as we loved the player.” “Colston possesses all the qualities we seek, including leadership, toughness, and football IQ. He will play a significant role in this offensive.
KEEP READING: Who Are Colston Loveland’s Parents? The Family Behind the New Chicago Bears TE
Loveland’s polished game and college background provide him with an advantage in the NFL, where tight ends have a steep learning curve. If he performs as expected, Chicago may have acquired a key component for their attack in addition to the top tight end in the draft.
What about the Texans, Broncos, or any other clubs that are supposedly in the running? Rather than erecting structures around Loveland, they must confront him.
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