(670 The Score) The Bears believe rookie tight end Cole Kmet can be an impact player in their offense for many years to come.
Bears general manager Ryan Pace and his brass recognized the right traits in Kmet, who made the most of his opportunity at Notre Dame in 2019. The Bears felt confident enough to make Kmet the 43rd overall pick of April's NFL Draft, and the first tight end taken in this class.
"He's definitely an ascending player," general manager Ryan Pace said back then.
But Kmet hasn't seen much of a role in the Bears' offense through their first four games. He has played in just 30% of the team's offensive snaps this season and worked only 15 snaps in the Bears' 19-11 loss to the Colts on Sunday. Kmet has been targeted for a pass three times, catching one for a 12-yard gain.
Kmet's minimal role in the Bears' offense isn't his own doing, as coach Matt Nagy said he needs to involve Kmet more moving forward.
"He needs to be out there more," Nagy said Tuesday. "We're aware of that. He is doing a really good job at taking in this offense, which we knew from the get-go that he was going to do. Now that he knows the tempo of the games, the adjustments, things that go on within the game, I feel like he's ready.
"He's going to get more opportunities as we go. He's earned that right."
The Bears' tight ends have played a bigger role this season than last. Veteran tight end Jimmy Graham, who fills the U role, has 14 receptions for 136 yards and three touchdowns in four games. Each of those marks would've led Bears tight ends for the entire 2019 season.
Nagy has turned to veteran Demetrius Harris primarily as the Y tight end, using him in 43% of the team's offensive snaps. The 29-year-old Harris has four receptions for 21 yards.
Kmet has embraced the process of improving, even while waiting for his turn.
"It definitely takes a lot of patience," Kmet said. "I just I got to use it to my advantage during the week. Being able to learn from these guys is just invaluable. So I'm just kind of making the most of it right now and continue to improve each day and staying patient during this whole process.
"I have a lot of patience at this point. I'm a young player in this league. I'm 21. I'll be 21 this whole season. I got a lot to learn still, got a lot of football to play and a lot of work throughout the process."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
