The release of tight end Trey Burton set off some warning bells for Chicago Bears fans. Could this mean the team is thinking about adding a tight end in the upcoming draft? Some aren't wild about that idea. Not because it's a bad plan but more because experts aren't wild about this 2020 class. In terms of overall talent and depth, it's one of the weakest positions in the draft.
Most believe there is only one player who is even worth discussing as a possible 1st round pick. So is it any surprise the Bears have had frequent contact with him? Notre Dame's Cole Kmet appeared on the "Hoge and Jahns" podcast to talk about his journey to the NFL and what his expectations are. Being a native of Lake Barrington, Illinois the idea of playing for his hometown team has obviously crossed his mind.
Apparently it's crossed theirs too.
“I've had quite a bit of contact with the Bears. I know that they're potentially in the market for a tight end in this draft. Obviously, that would be very exciting for me as a hometown kid being able to play there. That would just be a childhood dream come true.”
Chicago Bears have good reasons to like Kmet
Aside from being a cool story, Kmet has established himself as the best tight end in the draft. He's got that mixture of size and athleticism the position requires in today's NFL. He can run well, finding space in the passing game but has enough body mass and strength to be a capable blocker. His production was never that great for the Irish (515 yards and 6 TDs in 2019). Still, not all of that was his fault. There is lots of room to grow.
Joe Marino of The Draft Network compares him to Vikings stalwart Kyle Rudolph.
"From a frame perspective, Kmet is exactly what the NFL is looking for in an in-line tight end prospect and there is plenty to like about his projection to that role in the NFL. He is a smooth route-runner with excellent ball skills and the ability to win in contested situations."
The problem people have is he's not "explosive" as an athlete. He is more just good from an all-around perspective. No weaknesses but also nothing that makes him special. This is why some see him as a late 2nd rounder. Others though think the weakness of the class will end up pushing him higher.
One thing is for sure. The Bears seem to have a keen interest in him.
