​Bears tight end Colston Loveland recently shared a surprising revelation about his expectations for the 2025 NFL Draft, saying he believed the Chargers were poised to select him. Speaking on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Loveland indicated that the Chargers were the only team he met with during the pre-draft process. When asked which other team outside of the Bears seemed likely to take him, Loveland affirmed, “I think Chargers.” He added that was the sole visit he had, and that coach Jim Harbaugh had told him, “If you’re there, we’ll grab you.” The rookie tight end also admitted he was surprised by the Bears’ decision to draft him as early as they did, since he thought Los Angeles would be the team to pull the trigger.
Last year, the Chargers held the No. 22 overall pick. With Loveland no longer available, Los Angeles chose running back Omarion Hampton. Chicago selected Loveland, a former Michigan Wolverine, at No. 10 overall. Since then, Loveland has quickly established himself as one of the top players at his position. In his rookie season, the 22-year-old posted 58 receptions for 713 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and an average of 12.3 yards per catch. Notably, Loveland became the first Bears rookie to lead the team in receiving yards since 1983, marking a historic breakout season for a player in his first year with the team.
Looking ahead to how 2023 could have unfolded under a different circumstance—had Loveland joined the Chargers rather than the Bears—adds an intriguing dimension to the discussion of how teams might have utilized him. It’s easy to wonder how head coach Mike McDaniel would have integrated Loveland into his offensive plans for the upcoming season, given the dynamic skill set the rookie possesses. Even though Loveland may have found a different role with the Chargers, the organization ultimately selected a young, prolific playmaker in Hampton, who contributed meaningful value to the team.
Hampton’s rookie year showed flashes of the potential that prompted the Chargers to take him at No. 10 overall. He contributed when on the field, though his season was shortened to nine games due to a fractured left ankle. As the Chargers look toward the 2026 season, Hampton is positioned to emerge as the clear-cut feature back, taking on a larger role as the offense evolves.
This piece originally appeared on Chargers Wire and discusses why Bears tight end Colston Loveland thought he would become a Charger for better SEO.