(670 The Score) The tight end position in Matt Nagy's Bears offense is designed to be a mismatch in coverage that dictates what a defense needs to do.
It was with that as context that the Bears made Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet the 43rd overall selection in the second round of the NFL Draft on Friday evening, hoping that he can be a much-needed dynamic weapon in an offense that struggled in 2019. Even with nine other tight ends on the roster, the Bears felt they had a key need at this position.
The Bears have seen flashes of potential in Kmet to be their version of Travis Kelce, whose talent helped Nagy thrive as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator in 2016 and 2017. The Bears need the 6-foot-6 Kmet to become a big, respected target whom defenses must plan for each play.
Expectations should be that high for Kmet, whom Bears general manager Ryan Pace viewed as the best player available among a talented group. Pace said he has "scenarios" to trade down from the 43rd pick but couldn't pass on Kmet.
Kmet will be asked to play a key role in the Bears' offense and complement 33-year-old Jimmy Graham in their respective tight end roles.
"We're excited to take that position and make it a strength," Pace said on a teleconference late Friday night.
Kmet was selected to fill the void of Trey Burton, whom the Bears released last week with two years and $4 million guaranteed still remaining on his deal. Kmet is an addition who likely pushes 2017 second-round pick Adam Shaheen out the door.
The tight end position shouldn't have been such a priority for the Bears given the investments Pace has made there in recent years, but there he was addressing it Friday. He has failed to find a dynamic, quality fit at the position in five seasons as Chicago's general manager. Once Burton's injuries became an issue in 2019, the Bears had a major hole they couldn't fill.
Kmet knew the Bears needed help at the position because he watched his favorite team end the 2019 season with its leading tight end catching just 14 passes.
Kmet watched the draft from his family's home in nearby Arlington Heights, cherishing being drafted by the team he grew up watching. Kmet rooted for a fellow tight end in Greg Olsen before the Bears traded him away, and he celebrated the dominant Chicago defenses that Brian Urlacher once led.
"It's just pretty amazing to know I'm now going to be suiting up for my hometown team," Kmet said.
Chicago will be rooting for Kmet to become something special for his favorite team. Not only would his success be a terrific story, but it could mean great success for the Bears' offense.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
