The Chicago Bears 2020 draft plans are still in the works. GM Ryan Pace isn’t going to divulge anything and their board won’t be set in stone until after free agency in March. However, there is one definite thing people can say going into this spring. Whatever the Bears have planned, it’s going to involve a tight end. Word has already leaked that the team is keeping close tabs on several names in this class and more are sure to follow.
Will Cole Kmet of Notre Dame be one of them? Probably. He already has a considerable buzz around him. He’ll get a chance to showcase himself at the scouting combine in February. So the question is should the Bears be interested or should they steer clear. Here is a full breakdown of the junior tight end and what he could bring to the table.
A Chicago Bears 2020 draft look at Cole Kmet
Strengths:
- Size is a big positive. Has the necessary height and bulk to create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs.
- Gets a good release off the line and shows quality acceleration getting into his routes in order to create some separation.
- Lined up in a variety of positions from in-line to out wide and in the backfield. So he has versatility.
- Strong in his lower body. Doesn’t go down on first contact too often. Maintains good balance after the catch.
Kmet shows on this play what good tight ends are supposed to do in this new NFL. He gets off the snap strong and carries the defenders deep. His QB gives him a chance and the guy makes the grab in tight coverage, showing strong hands and good body control. His ability to keep enough separation in that situation also shows his underrated speed and savvy as a route runner.
- Has enough speed to run the seam routes really well. Finds the soft spots in coverage and is always ready for the ball.
- Route running is pretty sharp. Has the sudden movement and hand fighting skills needed to give himself enough room.
- Constant red zone threat. Navigates tight spaces well and has the necessary size to win the 50/50 battles.
Weaknesses:
- A willing blocker but not much of a good one. Seems underpowered too often and doesn’t show the best fundamentals for it.
- Hands aren’t bad but he does have a tendency to double-clutch passes and has occasional fumbles.
- Productivity is worth discussing. Never established himself as a legitimate threat. Had just one year of solid statistical output.
- Has a health history that is worth monitoring. A broken collarbone kept him out at the start of 2019.
- Athleticism is solid but nothing special. He’s not somebody who strikes fear in opponents based on natural gifts.
Pro comparison: Jason Witten
People never remember that Witten was a 3rd round pick when he was drafted. He didn’t look like anything special when he arrived with the Dallas Cowboys and wasn’t that productive in college. It was only later they discovered his mixture of size, underrated speed, alpha mentality, and route running prowess made him as consistent a receiving tight end the NFL is likely to ever see. Kmet has that same body type, skill set, and competitiveness.
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Projection: 2nd round
Presuming Kmet manages to test well at the scouting combine, he’ll be a top 50 pick in the draft. His all-around skills will make him an intriguing option for teams who love to feature the tight end in their offense. Nothing about him stands out as “special” but there are also no glaring weaknesses either. Just a solid football player who has a chance to have a long NFL career presuming he can stay healthy.
