The Chicago Bears have a clear argument that they have the league's best talent at the tight end position. Colston Loveland has flashed the ability to be in the conversation as one of the league's best, while Cole Kmet is a capable starting option and rookie Sam Roush is building undeniable steam. However, this wasn't how ESPN's Mike Clay viewed things, putting the Bears as the sixth-best position group behind the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and the Indianapolis Colts.
It is an odd ranking when you dive into the depth for each of these five teams and consider the clear limitations in comparison to the Bears. This isn't to argue that Loveland is anywhere close to the status of George Kittle, Brock Bowers, or Trey McBride, who all remain established stars. Rather, it is taking an objective look at the current position groups in their entirety and understanding that, at worst the Bears should've been inside the top three.
Chicago has grown used to a level of disrespect over the summer as pundits have tired of the young team. While there is no shortage of lofty projections, it has been balanced out by consistent doubters and questions about whether or not the franchise is going to take a step in the wrong direction.
This serves as the latest example of a level of disrespect that Chicago has to be taking notice of. There simply is no defense of having the tight end group ranked so incredibly low when you consider the fact the Bears have two starting options rostered and very well could have a third in Roush.
Bears Continue to Deal with Offseason Disrespect with ESPN Pundit's Tight End Ranking
What is most confusing about this ranking is understanding the potential of Loveland and the clear chance he ends 2026 in the discussion as the league's best tight end. We've already seen in Loveland's rookie season that the bigger the stage, the better the performance, as Loveland was dominating during the playoffs and was undeniably important in an epic comeback win in the first round.
There should be a healthy level of weight put into this, as well as understanding Kmet's likelihood or taking a step forward in production after the offseason loss of DJ Moore. Chicago is stacked at the position, with a level of depth that has to have other teams undeniably jealous.
No question, it is well past time for ranking season to come to an end and for meaningful snaps to be played once again. This simply served as an exclamation point on what has been a long summer of frustrating takes.
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