The offseason train is about to leave the station on these two players, and Ben Johnson just told you to get on board. Both tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden had strong rookie seasons, with the arrow pointing up heading into year two. The early reports from the Chicago Bears' offseason work are that these two are not only becoming impact players, but they are also becoming the locker room leaders.Â
The Chicago Bears are seeing two second-year players take the step this offseason
Head coach Ben Johnson discussed the Bears' offseason program and was quick to mention that both Burden and Loveland were the two were in the weight room the earliest.Â
Ben Johnson pointed to Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III among players who were in the weight room well before the offseason program began: "Our group for one week in in terms of the field work, I’m really pleased with what it looks like. These guys are dialed in, they’re…
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) May 8, 2026
This is a great sign for the Bears. These are the two early Ben Johnson draft picks, and they are looking like massive hits right now. Neither of them did much early into their rookie seasons, but both of them closed out with their best performances late in the season, causing the arrow to point sky high.Â
For Loveland, it is hard to find a tight end as polished as a blocker, but also as big and dangerous down the seams as a receiver. Not many tight ends can produce early, so it makes sense why the Bears eased him, but late in the year, he became a mismatch. With Cole Kmet and Sam Roush around, the Bears are going to be able to motion Loveland and get advantageous mismatches with him this year. He knows he could have a massive year and is working to get better.Â
For Burden fell in the draft, but it was not because of his talent. It was because people doubted that he would put in the work to fulfill his talent. While the start to his rookie year was up and down, the Bears saw enough signs late in the year to trade DJ Moore. They did not do much to replace him, and they are looking for Burden to take the 60 targets that he had last year, and take on the majority of the 85 targets that Moore had as well. This could be a big year for him and he knows it.Â
The offense could revolve entirely around these two. Johnson is hyping them up, not because he thinks they need the motivation, but because he sees them taking the step that he is asking of them. This is a great sign.
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