Colston Loveland’s Draft Day Dream With the Chargers

Expectation vs Reality in the 2026 Draft

During a recent appearance on the YouTube show Bussin’ With The Boys, Bears tight end Colston Loveland said he believed the Chargers would be the team to take him. His dream was to join a franchise led by quarterback Justin Herbert and reunite with the coach who guided him in college, Jim Harbaugh. In the end, the Bears selected Loveland with the 10th overall pick, and the Bolts chose later, landing Oronde Gadsden II at No. 22, four rounds after the slot where Loveland thought he might end up.

Although Loveland and Herbert appeared to be a promising partnership, the Chargers decided to go a different direction at tight end. Gadsden is now the young star at the position for San Diego’s offense, anchoring a room that balances experience and upside. Loveland has settled into a role as one of Chicago’s rising talent at tight end, developing his game under the Bears’ system.

Why the Chargers Passed on Loveland

When the Chargers crafted their draft board, they prioritized a player who could contribute immediately and fit their long‑term vision at tight end. The decision to take Gadsden over Loveland gave them depth and a building block for the future. As a result, the Chargers now have a emerging TE who can grow alongside Herbert in the passing attack.

Current Outlook on the Chargers’ Tight End Position

Gadsden’s arrival has created a competitive environment inside the Bolts’ tight‑end room, giving coaches flexibility in aligning personnel with offensive schemes. The Chargers’ staff is still evaluating how the two players—Gadsden and any potential additions—will mesh in practice and game situations. This balance of experience and fresh talent could prove crucial as the team looks to improve its pass catching options.

Latest NFL Links You Should Know

• Chargers.com identifies the most important newcomer heading into 2026 training camp.
• Chargers Wire reports that Colston Loveland publicly stated he expected the Chargers to draft him.
• Charger Report explores the scenarios that could force the Bolts to trade away standout players.
• Bolt Beat argues the Chargers should make a big swing and acquire a Pro Bowl cornerback before the season.
• ESPN lists the players who have dropped out entirely of the 2026 NFL Top 100 rankings.
• CBS Sports confirms that George Pickens will play the 2026 season on his franchise tag.
• NFL.com breaks down the biggest remaining roster issues for every AFC team entering camp.
• Pro Football Talk covers the Seahawks’ rookies reporting to training camp today.
• Sports Illustrated offers a preseason ranking of all starting quarterbacks.
• Bleacher Report highlights overlooked rookie running backs to watch for major impact in 2026.

The draft’s outcome has set the stage for both franchises to move forward. While the Bears have a promising TE in Loveland, the Chargers are building their tight‑end depth with Gadsden, and the broader NFL landscape continues to shift with trades, tags, and emerging talent across the league.