Moore’s departure opens the door for more opportunities and production for Loveland and Burden.
In 16 games as a freshman, Loveland had 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdown catches, leading the NFC North champions in each category.
The passing game under \Williams is divided well statistically.
It’s only natural that Loveland will grow and his numbers will follow suit. Although it’s only spring, the Michigan product has already noticed the difference from this time last year.
“I’ve had a year under my belt, a similar playbook, you don’t have to come in and learn a new playbook,” said Loveland, who was named the Bears’ Brian Piccolo Rookie of the Year Award as a player who exemplifies courage, teamwork, dedication and commitment. “You know the guys, you know the system, you know how everything works. So it’s, like you said, it’s an advantage. But, having a pretty good year last year and not being a rookie anymore, you can’t make the little mistakes, you can’t relax at all. A new standard is set. Just have to blast through it and I just feel really good with the group, but I just feel really good with the group and I think it’s a great group. great coaches, great staff to put us in the best position. Then we just have to go out and win.”
Of course, a year ago, Loveland was the projected No. 1 pick, but many thought it would be Tyler Warren who would be taken at No. 10. The Bears, of course, still went with a tight end, but beat out Loveland. Both had a great season and found their footing in the best conditions.
“It’s amazing how quickly that time comes back to you considering the draft is already here,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said this week via the team’s graduation. “We just picked Colston, it felt like yesterday, but for him to have that kind of impact on his team is really cool to see. His work ethic, the way he plays the game, his teammates see that, and he’s going to continue to lead the team as we go forward.”
If the Bears’ 2025 season is to be a sign of things to come, they’ll have to keep going and up. They will reach 2026 with higher expectations, just as Loveland will individually.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, obviously,” Loveland said of the attention. “That means I’m doing something right. I’ve got to keep doing it. But like I said, we’ve got weapons, so whether you want to focus on one dude or not, there’s weapons all over the place.”