How Bears' Cole Kmet is helping rookie Colston Loveland

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has been waiting to get back on the football field after shoulder surgery back in January. But he's remained involved in meeting rooms and as an observer, where he's already leaning on his veteran teammates.

That includes tight end Cole Kmet, entering his sixth season with Chicago, who has served as a sounding board and mentor for the Bears' top rookie throughout the offseason program.

"All the tight ends have been super helpful, but Cole, that's a vet right there," Loveland said. "[He] does everything the right way. Really good at football; really good mentally, really good physically. He's a great guy to look up to, and he's been very [helpful] … If I run a route or do something, he'll tell me some things, how he sees it, some coverage things, or whatever it may be. He's been super helpful and I'm very appreciative."

Kmet previously discussed his approach to mentoring Loveland, where he reflected back on his time as a rookie with Jimmy Graham in that leadership role, as well as sharing his experiences with Loveland.

Head coach Ben Johnson has sang Loveland's praises for how he's managed to stay involved from a mental standpoint as he remains unable to get on the field with the rest of the team. Loveland has spent the offseason immersing himself in the playbook as he aims to build those mental reps.

The good news is Loveland is expected to be ready for training camp next month, and the team will finally get a glimpse at what Loveland and Kmet can do as a dynamic 1-2 punch on offense.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: How Bears' Cole Kmet is helping rookie Colston Loveland