NEWSLETTER
If I was a pro athlete, one thing I’d want to do on a regular basis is pick the brains of my contemporaries.
Not just my teammates, mind you. But other players at my position. I’d want to know the ins and outs of everything. What works? What doesn’t? How can I be better? Where can I make subtle improvements? Is there something I can do more effectively? Or efficiently?
That’s why I found it fascinating last year when George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Greg Olsen came together to create a tight end summit. And it is why I have an interest in Cole Kmet getting another invite to join the party:
Cole Kmet has confirmed that he has re-enrolled for Tight End U '22 in Nashville next month.
"You get to pick everybody's brain. I think that's the main thing."
Then a big smile. "Obviously, have a little bit of fun. I'm not going to lie. That's most of the trip."
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) May 24, 2022
Last year’s attendants included rookie sensation Kyle Pitts, 2021 first-team All-Pro Mark Andrews, 2020 Pro Bowler Darren Waller, Super Bowl champion Zach Ertz, and others. In short, Kmet was in good company last year, and he figures to be in it again as he goes back to school.
If you’ll recall, Kmet emerged from TE University last summer with a re-shaped physique. And the year that followed wasn’t all that shabby for the Notre Dame product, either. Kmet had a bit of a breakout last season, which was nice to see as he built on a strong close to his rookie season. No, Kmet’s second season won’t go down in Bears lore. But he put up a career-best 60 catches and 612 receiving yards in his age 22 season. And that has me curious as to what lies ahead for Kmet in 2022.
Not only is it a new year and clean slate for Kmet, but he also gets a new offensive scheme, play-caller, and position coach to work with. Additionally, he’ll get an opportunity to build a bond with Justin Fields rather than splitting time catching passes from Andy Dalton.
In fact, Kmet was part of that group of players working out with Fields and Darnell Mooney earlier in the offseason. Things are starting to stack up in Kmet’s favor. Soon enough, we’ll get a chance to see how it translates onto the field. Imagine if Kmet can build with the same energy and vigor this summer as he did last year. Because, if he can, watch out! We could finally be in for a pleasant surprise at a position group that has been disappointing us for years.
