“NFL Draft’s 10 best scheme fits: Jets, Bears, Bucs among teams nabbing ideal pieces
By Ted Nguyen
2. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
Play style: Nuanced route runner with the speed to threaten downfield
Scheme: Spread to run attack
Loveland is a natural fit in the role Sam LaPorta has played in the Lions’ offense for now-Bears head coach Ben Johnson, moving all over the formation. Loveland has a burst and runs smooth routes. He can run a wide route tree from the inside or outside.
I don’t think Johnson’s Bears offense will utilize as much heavy personnel and be as compact as the Lions were. Though the Bears upgraded their offensive line this offseason, they still won’t be nearly as physical as the Lions’ offensive line — few lines are. Also, Caleb Williams has a higher ceiling than Jared Goff as a playmaking quarterback. They can’t and shouldn’t commit to running the ball as much as the Lions do just yet.
Johnson will prioritize physicality and running, but it’ll look different than it did in Detroit. He should use more spread formations and 11 personnel (one back, one tight end, and three receivers) than he did in Detroit.
When they run the ball, Loveland displays a good initial jolt when run blocking, but can struggle to sustain blocks. In a more spread-out attack, Loveland will be asked to block defensive ends but the types of blocks he’ll be asked to do will be more varied and he’ll have more favorable angles.
But Loveland’s impact will be as a dangerous No. 3 option behind receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. He’ll be able to feast inside against linebackers and safeties. Few second-level defenders who will be able to hang with Loveland’s crafty route running and speed. He also does a great job of finding space when the quarterback scrambles. Williams will target him often when plays break down.”
The rest of the list is here:
Armand Membou, Colston Loveland and Emeka Embuka are among those rookies who should mesh in nicely with their new teams.
www.nytimes.com