NEWSLETTER
It’s been three weeks since the Bears swung for the fences to trade up and take Justin Fields with the 11th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The move kick-started what is now a widely revered draft class. There is plenty that needs to happen for this group to live up to the hype. But at a surface level, Chicago did well to add some potential impact players at position of needs.
Hopefully, this collection of talent is as highly thought of in a year from now as it is in this moment.
In that vein, I found myself intrigued by Michael Renner’s re-evaluation of the 2020 NFL Draft at Pro Football Focus. Because while it’s good to have a bunch of draftees people like at the outset, it’s something else to have the group be loved a year later. And when it comes to the Chicago Bears, their draft class grades out relatively favorably a year later.
A year ago, PFF gave the Bears a “B+” grade after the draft. Not bad. One year later, it’s a “B” grade for Chicago. Also, not bad. Not as good as a B+, but still a solid group.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson (Round 2, Pick 50) is already a starter and will assume CB1 duties as he enters Year 2 of his professional career. Draft classmate Kindle Vildor, a fifth-round pick, could join Johnson in the starting secondary. Receiver Darnell Mooney has already made an impact and figures to be a long-term beneficiary of the Fields selection. Getting four starters in one draft class is a good get for GM Ryan Pace, to be sure. But how successful this class is essentially hinges on how Kmet grows.
So, why the slight downgrade? Well, the fourth starter — tight end Cole Kmet — remains as highly criticized of a pick now as it was when it happened.
The Bears using their first second-round pick on Kmet was’t a popular choice in many circles. Taking a tight end with limited college experience still sticks in the craw of some, even if he was the highest-graded player at a position of need for Chicago. Remember the revolving door of “meh” the Bears had at the position in recent years? Putting a stop to the nonsense at the position might’ve been reason enough to take Kmet where they did. And yet, there is a belief the Bears didn’t get the best value with the 43rd pick. It don’t believe folks will look past Kmet’s 243 receiving yards when making their argument. Nor do I think seeing safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. or Jeremy Chinn go later will help arguments to the contrary.
Nevertheless, what’s done is done. Moving forward, the Bears have to maximize all their picks from that class. But I have a feeling that how we view the 2020 class will ultimately depend on Kmet. If he grows into a true two-way tight end — someone who can help clear space as a blocker, catch passes in the middle of the field, and score touchdowns in the red zone — then the Bears will be in great shape. But if he doesn’t, then we might not look back fondly on this selection. However, we don’t need to travel down that road just yet.
In case you missed it:
Cole Kmet is Attending Tight End Universityhttps://t.co/7fU0tPq3MK
— Bleacher Nation Bears (@BN_Bears) May 19, 2021
Kmet is getting an opportunity to sharpen his skills and hone is craft at TE University. The tight end summit hosted by Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Greg Olsen will bring together the best and brightest at the position, as well as some up-and-comers. This seems like an ideal environment to put in some work with your peers during what looks like a golden age of tight end play. If this helps Kmet unlock some of his potential, then that would be wonderful.
It’s early, but it’s already established that the Bears’ 2020 draft class is on a good path. Not only do the Bears have a solid class to build from despite the perceived value of Kmet’s pick, it’s possible we look at this draft in a better light still at this time next year. I won’t say it all hinges on Kmet’s development, but his game going to another level could swing some things. Stay tuned.
