The Bears selected Notre Dame TE Cole Kmet in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Kmet goes 6’6, 262 pounds and tested as a 77th percentile athlete at the Combine, where he ran a 4.70-second 40-yard dash with a 37-inch vertical. He played both baseball and football for Notre Dame, emerging as the Irish’s top TE this past season. Kmet hauled in 43 balls for 515 yards and 6 scores, ranking 9th in yards per route run and 6th in Pro Football Focus’ receiving grade among 18 of this class’ top TEs. He doesn’t strike us as a high-upside fantasy prospect, and this isn’t a very inspiring landing spot. Kmet figures to sit behind Jimmy Graham this year but could take over as Chicago’s lead TE by 2021.

Bears OC Luke Getsy spoke about his first impressions of TE Cole Kmet. “I’ve been very impressed with Cole,” Getsy said. “Again that mindset that we’re trying to set, he’s been a great example of that as well. And you go back to that thing we talked about before, just the ability, the flexibility as a player, I think he has all that stuff. So I’m excited to see him have a bunch of different roles in our offense. Some players that are out there they’re kind of like this is what they do well. But I think the more guys that you can get in a system that can do a bunch of different things, the more success you’re going to have and I think Cole is one of those guys.” Kmet played all 17 games last year, notching 60-612-0 on 93 targets. A favorable target outlook remains in year 3, and a TE1 finish is certainly within his range of outcomes.

Jason Lieser of the Chicago Sun Times writes that TE Cole Kmet “simply hasn’t been a game-changer, so unless there’s clear evidence that suggests he’ll get there next season, that position goes on the [offseason] shopping list.” Indeed, 2022 is probably a make-or-break year for Kmet. Last season, he failed to find the end zone and ranked mid-pack in yards per catch and yards per target. We’ll see if Chicago adds a veteran or mid-round rookie. For now, consider Kmet no more than a TE2 in early best ball drafts.

Bears TE Cole Kmet (groin) is not listed on the final injury report after putting in a full practice on Friday. So that groin shouldn’t be an issue against the Cardinals on Sunday. Kmet is a solid target bet with WRs Allen Robinson and Marquise Goodwin out.

Bears TE Cole Kmet (groin) returned to a limited practice on Thursday. We're expecting Kmet to play vs. the Cardinals this weekend, but we'll get another update on his status tomorrow.

Bears TE Cole Kmet (groin) did not practice on Wednesday. He don't have any other info on this groin issue. We'll see if Kmet gets back on the practice field tomorrow.