Chicago Bears: How tight end depth could be the key to the playoffs

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears celebrates his rush for a touchdown with teammate Jesper Horsted #49 in the fourth quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field on December 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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Chicago Bears (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Cole Kmet looks to be a big upgrade

Rookie tight end Cole Kmet could jump out to be a force in the NFC North. Standing at six-foot-six, his frame would have him cooking up mismatches. Coming out of Notre Dame, he was scouted as an NFL ready talent. During his 2019 campaign (JR), Kmet recorded 43 catches for 615 yards and 6 touchdowns. After his dominant season, he backed out of his senior year and declared for the NFL Draft.

Chicago can be a progressive stomping ground for Kmet. The Bears drafted him in high premise, and now results are expected to follow. The former Notre Dame standout has always been a big Bears fan and his father spent a year on the 1993 Bears practice squad after being drafted and playing for the Buffalo Bills. Kmet’s junior year in college was his breakout, now he’s in the pros learning and training at a faster pace.

Through training camp, Cole Kmet seems to be rolling along with the culture of the team and finding himself within the league. Playing behind a veteran like Jimmy Graham could help him come into his own form. Learning from Graham is an advantage for a young tight end, seeing that Graham was a dominant young player in New Orleans.

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