Cole Kmet Injury History & Analysis

Bears HC Ben Johnson sounded very excited about rookie WR Luther Burden in the team's post-draft press conference. "Stud," Johnson said of Burden. "He’s a playmaker waiting to happen. ... For 6 foot and 200+ pounds, it’s rare to see someone with his movement skills. He can stop on a dime and accelerate just like that. Give him a little bit of space, and he can make big things happen. A dangerous player and weapon. ... I see big things in his future."

The Bears selected Michigan TE Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Loveland didn’t get the same hype as Tyler Warren in the pre-draft process, but the gap between them isn’t big. Loveland broke out as a 19-year-old true sophomore in 2023, catching 45 balls for 649 yards and four TDs for the J.J. McCarthy-led Wolverines. Michigan’s passing game wasn’t nearly as productive without McCarthy last year, but Loveland still racked up 56 grabs for 582 yards and five TDs. He accounted for 38.6% of the team’s receiving yards and 45.5% of the TDs – beating Warren in both market-share categories. Loveland barely trailed Warren in Pro Football Focus receiving grade and yards per route, ranking top-five in the nation in both metrics. Loveland ran 48% of his routes from the slot over the last two seasons and projects in a similar role as a pro. He’s a fluid athlete with deft route-running skills and sticky hands. Coming from a pro-style offense, he’s a candidate to make an immediate impact. We’ll just need to keep an eye on the AC joint injury to Loveland’s right shoulder that required surgery in January. He’s expected to be cleared for training camp.

Bears reporter Chris Emma believes “it’s reasonable to believe” that TE Cole Kmet “can be a dynamic threat” with new HC Ben Johnson. Emma predicts Kmet will set statistical career highs in 2025.