Cole Kmet explains why Bears opponents may have no good answer for Colston Loveland

Just ask Cole Kmet.

Speaking to Bears reporters on Tuesday, the veteran tight end explained why Loveland presents such a difficult matchup for opposing defenses, and why simply changing personnel to account for him could create another problem.

"It's tough because those DB bodies are not big enough to cover him, and he's definitely elusive and faster than a lot of linebackers you're going to see in the NFL," Kmet said. "So it's going to be tough. I'll be interested to see how teams go about it."

Colston Loveland will put defenses in a bind

The Bears don't necessarily need Loveland to dominate every individual matchup for his presence to affect the offense. They just need defenses to make a choice.

"You for sure don't want the backer on him, you don't want the safety," Kmet said. "If they go small on us, we're going to run it down your throat. He's definitely a weapon that opens up a lot of things for the offense."

Put a linebacker across from Loveland, and the Bears can exploit the obvious advantage they have in his quickness and route-running ability. Match him with a smaller defensive back, and Chicago gains an advantage in the running game.

With Ben Johnson calling plays? Lookout.

The Bears can put both tight ends on the field without necessarily tipping their hand about whether they're running or passing. Johnson can move Loveland around the formation, create favorable matchups, and force defenses to decide whether they want to counter Chicago's personnel with size or speed.

Loveland could take another step in Year 2

Loveland already provided plenty of evidence as a rookie that he can become a major part of Chicago's passing game. He was the team's best pass-catcher to close the season, and there's a valid argument that he was the best pass-catching tight end in the league over his final four games.

All signs from training camp point to Loveland being even better in 2026. He's consistently generated positive reviews throughout the summer, including from Rome Odunze, who described Loveland as a "rare diamond," praising his route running, blocking, and versatility.

Kmet's comments take it a step further.

Loveland isn't simply another talented target for Williams. His skill set can potentially dictate how a defense chooses to match Chicago's personnel. And that's precisely the kind of chess piece Johnson wants.