NFL Draft 2020: Cole Kmet will be better with Bears than he was with Irish

Cole Kmet was the best tight end prospect in this draft. His hometown Bears picked him with their first pick in this draft. How good will he be?

The draft is not only about young men getting the opportunity to live their dreams, but the stories are often sweet as well. One of the best stories is a player getting the chance to live their dream and playing for their hometown team.

Cole Kmet gets to this that dream. The Lake Barrington, Illinois native grew up rooting for the Bears and now he gets to put on a Bears jersey. Like fellow Irish alum Chris Zorich before him, he gets to don the blue and orange.

The Bears desperately needed a tight end for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Kmet is a big-bodied, wide target who is a master of the seams on a football field. Adam Shaneen has not panned out and they need a player in the middle of the field who can keep safeties honest.

Kmet is a natural receiver and an improving blocker. He is a fluid route runner who can run past linebackers and separate from safeties. He has masterful ball skills and is a “handsy” receiver.

He attacks the ball when it is thrown to him. You love the fact that he reaches with his hands–and he has big hands–and does not wait until the ball comes to him. He is improving as an in-line blocker. He does well in support but struggles in 1-on-1 situations.

Grade: A+

Kmet is a matchup nightmare in the slot at the next level. His frame and athleticism is the reason he will ultimately have a better professional career than a college career.