Cole Kmet

Summary

Cole Kmet was selected in Round 2 (#43 Overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame University. A former multi-sport athlete (football and baseball), Kmet entered the NFL as one of the youngest players in his draft class and quickly developed into a core offensive contributor. At Notre Dame, he recorded 60 receptions for 691 yards and 6 touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-ACC honors and showcasing strong size-athleticism traits despite limited collegiate usage. In the NFL, Kmet has emerged as a reliable starting tight end, producing 3,000+ career receiving yards and 20+ touchdowns through the 2024 season, including a breakout 2023 campaign with 73 receptions, 719 yards, and 6 touchdowns. He earned Pro Bowl recognition (2023) and signed a long-term contract extension, reflecting his value as a foundational offensive piece. Kmet is widely regarded as a high-character, durable, team-first professional, praised for his work ethic, leadership, toughness, and willingness to contribute both as a blocker and receiver.

Strengths

• Size & Catch Radius: His huge frame provides a reliable target over the middle and in the red zone. Uses body positioning and strength to win on short-area targets.

• Hands & Reliability: Strong hands with good concentration and dependable in traffic and contested situations. Tough runner after the catch who falls forward and breaks arm tackles.

• Route Discipline: Runs clean, efficient routes; understands leverage and spacing against zone coverage. Mixed with strong preparation habits and trust from coaches, Kmet is consistently a reliable target on key money downs.

• Blocking Effort: Willing and improving in-line blocker who is functional in run and pass protection.

Weaknesses

• Limited Top-End Speed: Not a vertical seam stretcher and struggles to separate from faster safeties. More smooth than sudden, Kmet lacks quick-twitch burst at the top of routes.

• Mismatch Ceiling: Wins with size and reliability rather than athletic dominance.

• Man Coverage Separation: Can be neutralized by athletic linebackers in isolated matchups.

• Blocking Consistency: Effort is strong, but technique can be inconsistent against elite edge defenders.

Outlook

Kmet is best suited for balanced, play-action-based offenses that value reliability, physicality, and structure at the tight end position. He thrives as a chain-moving, in-line tight end who can stay on the field for all three downs, allowing offenses to disguise intent and maintain personnel flexibility. His blocking credibility enhances play-action concepts, while his dependable hands make him a trusted target in critical situations. Kmet projects as a solid long-term starter and upper-tier TE2 / low-end TE1 depending on offensive usage. While he may never be a high-volume, explosive matchup weapon especially with the drafting of first round TE Colston Loveland taking his target share, his consistency, durability, and professionalism ensure sustained value. With continued quarterback stability and scheme integration, Kmet should remain a productive, dependable tight end capable of anchoring an offense and contributing meaningfully to winning football.