The Chicago Bears have a need to upgrade the tight end position (indeed, Eric Ebron may well be an option in free agency).
But as we know, having followed this team in its quest to find talent, particularly at tight end, solutions that come via the free agent market don’t always live up to expectations. With that in mind, there is a chance the Bears turn to the draft as part of the process in fixing up the tight ends room. Should that be the case, then the latest news from Notre Dame will be welcome with open arms.
One of college football’s best tight end prospects is entering the 2020 NFL Draft:
Tight end Cole Kmet declares for the NFL Draft. Big blow for Notre Dame’s offense in 2020. Kmet received a second round grade from the NFL committee that advises underclassmen. https://t.co/GAy8nBA8Uw
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) January 2, 2020
Cole Kmet took to Twitter to thank Notre Dame for his time at the university and declare for the draft. And as Pete Sampson of The Athletic points out, Kmet netted a second-round grade from the NFL Draft advisory committee that helps guide student-athletes toward making the decision to stay in school or to jump to the pros. Getting a second-round grade was enough for Kmet to take the leap. And since the Bears have two second-round picks, Kmet becomes a person of interest.
Kmet had a breakthrough season in 2019, catching 43 passes, gaining 515 receiving yards, and scoring six touchdowns. Not bad for a guy who suffered a collarbone injury before the season started. Kmet projects to be a two-way tight end who displayed an ability to block, while also using those soft hands to catch passes. Someone who can line up, hold their own as a blocker, but also be a threat to run routes and catch passes is something the Bears’ offense could use. And that Kmet has done it against top-tier competition will only help his draft stock.
A recent mock draft we shared had the Bears targeting Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins as a second-round pick. How Kmet’s declaration for the draft will impact future mocks is to be determined. But the Bears have a need and Kmet could be available at a time when he can be selected. Considering the fit, we’ll keep an eye on Kmet and his pre-draft workouts to see where he could land when the draft gets underway in April.