Chicago Bears: Grading every pick in 2020 NFL Draft
Round 2, Pick 43: Cole Kmet, TE
This pick split Chicago Bears fans. The Bears already had nine tight ends on the roster. One of those tight ends was free-agent signee, Jimmy Graham. He signed a two-year, $16 million deal. Of that, $9 million was guaranteed.
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With so many tight ends, and one of them an expensive free agent, why go for another one with their first pick in the draft? Well, here’s the thing. Even though the Bears now have 10 tight ends, most of them are camp bodies. Last season, no tight end on the roster reached 100 receiving yards.
Out of the small village of tight ends on the roster, only Graham, Demetrius Harris, and J.P. Holtz likely see time on the field. The others either get cut or play on special teams or the practice squad. They needed someone else who could be a dependable backup.
Enter Cole Kmet. He was the most NFL-ready tight end in the draft. At 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds, he has great size. Also, he runs a 4.70 40-yard dash. He has great hands and can make catches over defenders. He is a matchup nightmare. With his size and catch radius, he gives the quarterback a great target either when the offense needs yards to move the chains or when it’s in the red zone.
Another reason for the Kmet pick is that he’ll replace Graham as the starter. At 33, Graham’s best days are behind him. No matter how well he plays in 2020, it will be his only season with the Chicago Bears. His guaranteed money of $9 million is payable in full for the 2020 season.
Kmet can play the 2020 season as a backup and learn the position from Graham. Then, in 2021, he should be ready to take over as the starter.
Grade: A- — This is a pick that helps the Bears right away and also gives them a starting tight end at a bargain price for a few years. Signing a starting-caliber veteran would be an expensive option.