Chicago Bears: 4 players who could lose their starting jobs

Is Cole Kmet ready to take a leap for the Chicago Bears in 2021?

Unless something major happens in terms of his play, Cole Kmet will likely be around for a while. This selection has more to do with the pressure on Kmet to assume the role as the Bears’ true starting U tight end, and whether or not he’s ready for that starting job.

Kmet’s usage saw a steady increase in 2020, where he eventually overtook reps from veteran Jimmy Graham. The first of two second-round picks in 2020, Kmet is considered Chicago’s “2020 first-round pick”. Investing such an early pick in a tight end is a risk, as rookie tight ends tend to struggle their first NFL season.

For Kmet, all signs show he has the potential. He’s looked solid in training camp and his work outside of practice has been admirable. Kmet’s last five games saw him in the top ten (among tight ends) in catches and targets. His usage should go up in 2021, but if it seems that the former Notre Dame player hasn’t found his stride yet, the Bears will once again be forced to address their need at tight end.