Ask around with several experts and the responses on Cole Kmet are mixed. While most agree he was the most talented tight end in the 2020 draft class, they aren’t sure what that will amount to. Some think he has legitimate star potential. Others think he’ll be a quality blocking tight end who can catch the occasional pass. The Chicago Bears clearly think it’s closer to the former. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have grabbed him with their first pick of the draft.
Head coach Matt Nagy is already surprised by how fast the Notre Dame product has picked up the playbook. Almost to the point of minor annoyance. Kmet has put in tons of work in the weight room as well. So he should arrive to training camp in shape and well-prepared. Whether this equates to on-field success is still unclear.
Former GM Charley Casserly though seems optimistic about him. He sees Kmet have instant impact as a rookie.
“A year ago, the Bears had no presence at tight end, so the rookie second-round pick fills a huge need. Chicago also added Jimmy Graham this offseason to be the “move” tight end as a player who isn’t asked to block a lot on the line of scrimmage but could line up in the slot or as an H-back. However, Kmet will give the team a big, physical target who can go inside and earn YAC as a strong runner. He offers more potential as a blocker than Graham.”
Cole Kmet has a role to play and can play it if he works hard
Casserly understands tight ends of Kmet’s type. He had some success drafting the position during his days as a GM. During his time with the Washington Redskins he selected Frank Wycheck and Stephen Alexander. Both would go on to become Pro Bowlers. Kmet is more physically gifted than both of those players too. So his ceiling is much higher. It comes down to whether he embraces the work and isn’t overwhelmed by the speed or physicality of the game like Adam Shaheen was.
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Nobody is saying the kid has to be George Kittle right out of the gate. He has a role to play. That is to pair nicely with Jimmy Graham, do some blocking and be big threat on money downs and in the red zone. It’s not overly complicated but not everybody can do it. We’ll see if he can.
