The NFL Draft always brings surprises, but few anticipated the Chicago Bears’ decision to select tight end Colston Loveland in the first round. One person caught off guard? Current Bears tight end Cole Kmet.
“I didn’t see it coming, to be honest,” Kmet admitted in a recent interview. “But once I got the call from Coach Ben Johnson, everything started to make sense.”
A Strategic Vision
Ben Johnson, the Bears’ newly appointed head coach, has a reputation for innovation, having orchestrated one of the league’s most prolific offenses during his tenure in Detroit. Johnson’s reliance on 12 personnel—a formation utilizing two tight ends—yielded remarkable results last season, leading the NFL in touchdowns.
Now, Johnson aims to replicate that success in Chicago. The pairing of Kmet and Loveland promises to give the Bears a dynamic and versatile duo, capable of stretching defenses and enhancing the ground game. “This isn’t just about adding depth; it’s about redefining how we attack,” Johnson explained. “Kmet and Loveland together can create mismatches that are difficult to counter.”
Buying Into the Plan
While initial surprise gave way to understanding, Kmet quickly saw the potential in Johnson’s vision. “Ben’s plan for a two-TE system is something I’m fully on board with,” he said. “I’ve seen what he’s done with similar systems, and I’m excited to be part of that kind of offense.”
Loveland’s addition brings an intriguing skill set to the table. Known for his combination of size, speed, and hands, the rookie’s ability to line up in various spots complements Kmet’s more traditional tight end role. Together, they offer the flexibility to exploit defenses in myriad ways—whether it’s setting the edge for the running game, creating space over the middle, or providing red-zone firepower.
Expectations for 2025
The Bears’ offense struggled with consistency last season, but the arrival of Johnson and the implementation of a 12 personnel-heavy scheme signal a fresh start. The success of this strategy hinges on chemistry and execution, both of which Kmet is eager to develop with his new teammate.
“It’s going to take some work, no doubt,” Kmet acknowledged. “But Colston’s a great player, and I’m looking forward to building that connection on and off the field.”
With Johnson’s proven track record, Kmet’s buy-in, and Loveland’s potential, the Bears’ decision to invest in a first-round tight end might just be the spark they need to turn the corner. If successful, Chicago could set the standard for the next evolution of NFL offenses.