ColstonLoveland

News: 6 days agoLoveland (shoulder) took first-team reps in 11-on-11 drills Tuesday, Alyssa Barbieri of USA Today reports.

Spin: Loveland was eased into training camp during the first week of Chicago's practices, but he now appears fully recovered from January shoulder surgery, which had held him out of pre-draft workouts and spring activities. The rookie first-round pick has reportedly impressed early, including by recording a flashy third-down connection with quarterback Caleb Williams during 11-on-11 reps Tuesday. Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Loveland has displayed full confidence in his shoulder's strength and durability during both blocking and pass-catching reps. Head coach Ben Johnson had high praise of Loveland's early momentum, saying "it's really encouraging when you look at a young player like that and the growth that he's going to be able to have with the more reps that he gets."

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Loveland was selected by Chicago in the first round of April's draft. He is a young, productive tight end with big-time statistical upside. When active last season, he handled 37% of Michigan's targets and a class-high 40% of the air yards. Only 21 years old, Loveland is one of the youngest players entering the league, but he figures to play a sizable offensive role right out of the gate. Chicago is strong at wide receiver and Cole Kmet remains on the roster, but Loveland should see enough work in Ben Johnson's offensive to allow (at least) fringe TE1 production.