Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
After a disappointing 8-8 season in 2019, the Chicago Bears will need to bounce back in a big way if they want to make the playoffs. Here are five players that need to be great in 2020.
Cole Kmet
The Chicago Bears selected Cole Kmet with the 43rd pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Kmet was a solid decision by the Bears, even though some fans disliked the pick. Chicago was struggling at the tight end position, so they drafted Kmet and signed Jimmy Graham in free agency.
Kmet is joining a team that is in win-now mode. They have a quarterback in Mitchell Trubisky who is still on his rookie contract, along with Nick Foles who could be gone after 2020, if Trubisky is successful. A lot of what happens this season rides on the quarterback position.
At 6-foot-4, 235 points, Kmet brings the frame of a solid tight end, a tight end that can make plays in this league. He is a solid, smooth route runner, with his biggest weakness coming in run blocking. If he can get better with his run blocking, he’ll make a big impact in 2020.
With Graham also being with the team, it’ll take the pressure off of Kmet, giving him the opportunity to learn the offense and the position at a high level.
If Kmet can be great in 2020, Trubisky or Foles will be more successful. Every quarterback does better with multiple solid tight ends. Kmet is in a situation where it’s best if he produces right away. He has big shoes to fill this season, let’s see if he can do it.