Chicago Bears: 7-Round 2020 mock draft after early free agency
Even though the Chicago Bears signed Graham, it wasn’t for the longterm. Graham will turn 34 during the season so there is more behind than in front for his career. He signed a two-year deal for $16 million but they have an out after the first season.
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Trey Burton is the other starter. The Bears could part ways with him after the season as well and save $7.1 million. That means that the top two tight ends on the roster today could both be gone when the 2021 season begins.
If that happens, the Bears need to be prepared. Drafting a tight end to start right away doesn’t happen. Trying to go through free agency for a starting-caliber tight end will be expensive. The proper thing to do is to draft a quality tight end in this draft, use him in a rotation, then have him ready to take over next season.
That quality tight end is Cole Kmet. At 6-6, 262 pounds, he has the NFL-ready body to succeed. Even so, he could fill out even more. His size creates mismatches against linebackers and safeties.
At Notre Dame, his tools were underutilized. He can line up outside and just kill cornerbacks, but the Notre Dame didn’t run those types of plays for him. He showed he could do well on short to intermediate passes, deep passes, and could run after the catch.
Kmet uses his size and strength well to keep defenders from getting to the ball. Once he catches it and gets rolling, it is very difficult to bring him down. He had six touchdown catches in 2019, a total that tied for the most for a Fighting Irish tight end.
When all is said and done, Kmet should be the starting tight end for the Chicago Bears in 2021.