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Cole Kmet

Cole Kmet Player Profile

Summary

Cole Kmet is a tight end for the Chicago Bears, selected in the 2nd round (43rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. NFL.com
Standing about 6′6″ and ~262 lbs, Kmet offers a rare combination of size, length and versatility at the position. CBS Sports
Over his time in the NFL, he has developed into a key piece of the Bears’ offense, culminating in a multi-year contract extension in 2023.

Strengths

  • Size & catch-radius advantage: At 6′6″ with long arms, Kmet presents a big target in the passing game and mismatch potential (especially against smaller defenders).

  • Reliable hands & contested-catch ability: Early scouting cited his “soft hands” and ability to make catches in traffic.

  • Versatility in alignment & roles: He has lined up inline, in the slot, and detached; used as a receiver and as a blocker, giving his team flexibility. Pats Pulpit

  • Consistent production, especially in shorter / intermediate range: His advanced metrics show that he is among the better producers at his position at converting opportunities into catches. RotoViz

Weaknesses

  • Explosiveness / downfield threat is limited: While a solid receiver, he is not viewed as an elite vertical threat; some prospect reports flagged lack of elite speed or separation ability.

  • Blocking technique & consistency: Although serviceable, many scouting reports pointed to room for growth in run-block one-on-one technique and anchoring. Pats Pulpit

  • Struggles in certain situations (e.g., man coverage, deep receptions / YAC): Some analysis found that Kmet under-performed vs. man coverage and had minimal explosiveness (yards after catch) in deeper parts of the field. Da Bears Blog

  • Upside somewhat capped / role may be more attuned to “solid starter” than superstar: Some evaluations suggest that while his floor is good, his ceiling may be less than the very top tier of tight ends given the combination of traits and usage. Draft Sharks

Fit & Outlook

Cole Kmet projects as a very good starting tight end with a relatively high floor and a moderate upside, especially if some of his weaker areas continue to improve.

  • Short-term (next 1–2 years): He should remain a featured part of the Bears’ offense, especially in the intermediate passing game and red-zone. Given his size and reliability, he will continue to get a healthy number of opportunities.

  • Mid-term (3–4 years): If Kmet improves his blocking game and adds more explosiveness (or usage in more vertical schemes), he could rise into the upper tier of TE1 status. Conversely, if his growth stalls, he may remain as a “very good” rather than “elite” tight end.

  • Key factors for next step: Improving his ability to separate in man coverage, increasing yards after catch (YAC), being a more dominant blocker in the run game, and staying healthy.

  • Ceiling vs. Floor:

    • Floor: Reliable starter, frequently targeted, strong possession/chain-moving TE.

    • Ceiling: High-end starting TE who consistently produces big plays and is among the league’s best at the position.

  • Risk Considerations: If his blocking remains average, if the offense around him changes (reduced TE usage), or if he fails to develop vertical-threat traits, he may have limited upward mobility.