Critics were swift to jump on Cole Kmet last season. The young tight end didn’t produce much as a rookie, managing just 243 yards. Not the sort of first impression Chicago Bears fans were hoping for from the top pick of their 2020 draft class. Even if it was only the 2nd round. Still, the young man didn’t falter. He kept working hard and came into 2021 with optimism that he could take a step forward.
Yet for the first five games, it just didn’t happen. Kmet managed 10 catches for 81 yards. Then something strange began to occur. The tight end started developing chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields. They got on the same page and soon the rookie QB was going in his direction more and more often. With success too. In the last four games, Kmet has 18 catches for 203 yards. Nearly eclipsing his entire rookie total in a single month.
He had quite the showcase on Monday night in Pittsburgh.
The thing to remember here is Kmet is still just 22-years old. He is quite young and didn’t solely focus on football at Notre Dame. Half his time was spent playing baseball. It was always going to take time for him to learn how to play his position like a professional. After 18 starts, it is clearer than ever he has begun to showcase the talent that intrigued the Bears so much a year ago. It also further illustrates how crazy the 2020 draft class is.
Don’t forget the Bears had just two picks in the top 100 last year. Their 2nd round selections. After that, they didn’t pick again until the 5th round. Yet despite having no 1st, 3rd, or 4th rounders? He landed a promising young cornerback in Jaylon Johnson and a genuine threat at wide receiver in Darnell Mooney. Now with Kmet emerging as well? Those are three possible frontline starters from this class.
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Cole Kmet emergence is timely for Ryan Pace
If people were looking for a possible showcase on why the Bears may want to keep their embattled GM? Then the 2020 draft is it. His ability to find quality talent despite missing several key draft picks can’t be ignored. It raises the question of whether he is the problem with this team or if it really is Matt Nagy and his coaching staff. This is a debate that continues to rage about Bears fans and likely won’t be settled until the season is over.
One thing is for certain. If Cole Kmet continues to improve as he has in recent weeks? It will be a major selling point for Pace to stay. Never mind the continued improvement of Fields and Mooney as well. A lot of young guys are starting to step up and make plays. Not enough to win unfortunately but enough to suggest that with better coaching and some tweaks to the roster? This team can get right back into the playoff picture.
It’s nice to at least have optimism.
Being 3-6 in most circumstances would feel so deflating. Especially knowing the Bears still have just one winning season since 2013. However, the ascent of young guys like Kmet and especially Fields offer fresh hope for the future. Perhaps Chicago might finally be figuring out how to work in the modern NFL environment.
