When Ben Johnson was hired as the Chicago Bears’ head coach, it was probably the offensive players who got the most excited. They’d seen firsthand how the Detroit Lions offense thrived with him as their coordinator. And among those offensive players, the rookies are the ones really buzzing about the season ahead. Starting their NFL careers under Johnson feels like a huge opportunity, with results likely to go beyond what they’re expecting.
One rookie who looks set for a big growth leap is tight end Colston Loveland.
On Thursday, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin highlighted Loveland’s potential by comparing him to Sam LaPorta, Johnson’s standout tight end with the Lions. She noted, “As a rookie, LaPorta was targeted 120 times (89 catches, 889 yards) and turned in the second-most touchdowns ever by a rookie tight end (10).”
“LaPorta was second on the Lions in receiving in 2023 and the team’s third-leading receiver in 2024,” Cronin added.
Johnson will expect similar numbers from Loveland. This blueprint gives the tight end a clear path to learn and make a comparable impact in Chicago under Johnson’s system.
Under Johnson’s watch as offensive coordinator, LaPorta has recorded 1,615 yards and 17 touchdowns in two seasons.
LaPorta has been clear about how much he’ll miss his offensive coordinator in Detroit. In March, during an appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, he said, “He was one of the big reasons they brought me into the Lions. I have nothing but respect for him, but come Sunday afternoons this fall, there will be friends turned to enemies.”
“It hurts, of course,” LaPorta added. “You spend a lot of time with these people, invest a lot of energy and effort and hard work together.”
Now the Bears HC has another rookie to nurture.
Under Johnson, Colston Loveland will have to prove why the Bears made him their 10th pick. Johnson’s scheme is flexible and he also has a veteran like Cole Kmet alongside him, so his development will be quick.
