The Chicago Bears got a mixed reaction when they drafted Cole Kmet with their first pick of the 2020 draft. While nobody could deny the big tight end from Notre Dame had an imposing physique and interesting athleticism, there were also concerns. Namely his lack of starting experience due to his baseball commitments and his lack of top-end speed. It was felt GM Ryan Pace catered too much towards Matt Nagy’s desire for a tight end rather than took the best player available.
It didn’t help when Nagy himself actually held Kmet back through much of the early season. The rookie never topped 30 snaps through his first seven games, often giving them up to Demetrius Harris for whatever reason. It wasn’t until the game against New Orleans that the coaches finally started to get him more involved.
Little by little, his influence in the Bears’ offense has emerged.
Most always look to the production first. Kmet has 14 catches on 23 targets in the past seven games for 107 yards and a touchdown. Not great but a notable improvement from the first half of the season. Where he’s really stood out is his blocking. Not only has he handled himself well in pass protection, he is a big part of the Bears’ sudden outburst in the running game.
With his help, they’ve averaged 140 yards per carry in the past four weeks. Combine that with his presence after the catch in the passing game? Kmet has established himself as a physically imposing presence defenses have to account for. This is a big reason why former NFL quarterback David Carr named him to his 2020 NFL All-Rookie team.
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“Tight end play has been down across the league this season, and the rookie class is no exception. I chose Kmet here because he’s had the biggest impact on his unit, narrowly edging Cleveland’s Harrison Bryant and New Orleans’ Adam Trautman. The Bears tight end had a slow start to the season but has emerged as a playmaker for Chicago down the stretch.”
Cole Kmet has a bright future if the Bears cultivate him
There is so much to like about him. Being a good blocker is one thing. Being a good blocker who is athletic enough to also be a receiving threat? That is rare. It’s usually one or the other in today’s NFL. The key for the Bears moving forward is whether they make a conscious effort to create a true niche in the offense just for him. Something that proved too much of a challenge for Matt Nagy in his time as a play-caller.
Perhaps that could change under Bill Lazor’s direction. Or a new coaching staff depending on what happens these last couple of weeks. Either way, it’s apparent Cole Kmet has the necessary talent to be good in the NFL. All he needs is the right environment to thrive. Namely a team that works hard to get him the football and let him do what he does best.
Something that has been lost on this organization at times.
Ask Greg Olsen. Painful memories aside, Kmet is an easy guy to root for. He’s a local kid who grew up a Bears fan. A hometown product that has a chance to become their first legitimate weapon at tight end in seven years. Getting this sort of early recognition is never a bad sign. People can say he was part of a “bad” draft class all they want. The bottom line is this young man has game and loads of potential to explore.
