Whenever somebody is the first pick in a draft class, it comes with elevated expectations. It doesn’t matter if you’re taken in the 1st round or the 3rd. This is the microscope Cole Kmet is under. His level of expectations among Chicago Bears fans feels higher than it normally would for a guy taken midway through the 2nd round. This is because he was their first pick of the 2020 draft. So they clearly had high hopes for him.
His rookie season wasn’t terrible but it was clear he had work to do. Kmet had blocking skills but it was as a pass catcher where he showed how raw he was. Could he make a significant leap in his second year? He has certainly put in a ton of work this offseason to make it so from extra time with coaches to attending the inaugural Tight End University. Based on multiple accounts, the results are showing up in practice. Adam Hoge of NBC Sports couldn’t help but notice him.
“Speaking of tight ends, Cole Kmet certainly looks the part in practice. It will be interesting to see if he continues to shine with the pads on.”
Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic provided more context.
“In the first set of team drills, both quarterbacks moved the ball well. Dalton connected with Kmet, Jimmy Graham, Allen Robinson and David Montgomery…
…Dalton got into a rhythm on the next drive with completions to Byrd and Kmet before two sacks stalled the drive.”
This is the latest in a string of snippets that have flowed out of Halas Hall. Kmet continues to establish himself as a serious threat in the passing game. Not just because he’s big and strong either. More because he is finding ways to get open. Something that was a problem last year due to his obvious inexperience. It seems the tips he got from guys like Travis Kelce and George Kittle are already paying off.
The next step is him donning the pads and seeing if he can do it in live drills against the defense. This is the sort of development the Bears are hoping for. A lot of pessimism continues to surround the offense. With good reason after terrible finishes the past several years. Kmet has a chance to find point things in the right direction.
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Cole Kmet suddenly headlines a strong-looking TE group
There were concerns about this going into this season. Jimmy Graham is still around and should be a red zone presence. Then there’s Kmet and after that? Not a lot. This seems to have changed thanks to the arrival of Jesse James. The Bears signed the 28-year old veteran a few days ago. Already he’s made a significant impact, establishing a strong connection with rookie quarterback Justin Fields.
That trio has a chance to be more than decent this coming season. A lot of size and a lot of versatility. Kmet and James both have the ability to block and catch passes. This makes it tougher to defend them because there is no predicting when they stay in to block and when they go out for a pass. The less a defense can determine what you’ll do, the better. That is why Cole Kmet was such an attractive option in the first place.
Now he has a chance to make a name for himself.
He even has a pair of quarterbacks that should be able to get him the football. Andy Dalton never had a problem finding his tight ends in Cincinnati and Fields might be even better at it than him. If he does end up reaching some of that potential, the Bears offense will be in great shape moving forward.