Chicago Bears player has shot at making history in 2022
CHICAGO – A lot of has been discussed about the Bears and how they need to find more weapons for Justin Fields in 2022. And while that is a completely logical talking point, they may already have a legit weapon on the roster in third-year tight end Cole Kmet. Most probably don't realize this, which […]
CHICAGO – A lot of has been discussed about the Bears and how they need to find more weapons for Justin Fields in 2022. And while that is a completely logical talking point, they may already have a legit weapon on the roster in third-year tight end Cole Kmet.
Most probably don't realize this, which is semi-acceptable considering the down year the Bears offense had in 2021, but Kmet was one of the league's more productive tight ends in 2021.
Kmet finished last year tied for the eighth-most targets (93) and tied for the 12th-most receptions (60) and receiving yards (612) among all tight ends in the NFL. All of those numbers were also good for second-best when it comes to the Bears' 2021 passing attack.
He isn't just a receiver, either. Kmet is a decent run-blocker, evidenced by PFF handing him the NFL's 17th-best run blocking grade (62.2) among tight ends with at least 242 run-blocking snaps.
The second-rounder has a big chance to shine this year. Not only did the Bears make marginal additions when it comes to offensive skill players, but Kmet is now going into his second year with Justin Fields. Both players have also been working a ton together during the offseason. That's really beneficial for both parties, regardless of the fact that 2022 represents a new offensive scheme.
Considering Kmet's skill set and his place in the Bears' offense/passing attack's hierarchy, he has a very good shot at making history in 2022.
As it turns out, that history revolves around the fact the Bears have never seen a tight end eclipse 1,000 yards since the AFL-NFL merger back in 1970. Mike Ditka is the only tight end in team history to record a 1,000+ yard receiving season and that happened all the way back in 1961.
In case you're bad at math like I am – that's over 60 years without a Bears tight end eclipsing 1,000 yards in a single season. And, Kmet should see plenty of action based off the Packers' passing game when new Bears offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was in charge. Robert Tonyan and Jimmy Graham both logged top-15 numbers in Packers' history when it comest to tight end targets.
That's pretty wild. But when considering the fact Kmet's 2021 season tied for the ninth-most receiving yards by a tight end in a single season throughout Chicago's entire franchise history and when combining Kmet's role on the team, it's easy to see why Kmet is set up for big things in 2022.
Only three tight ends recorded over 1,000 yards in 2021. That list includes Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, and Kyle Pitts. So, while it's a hard feat to accomplish, it's not impossible.
And when it comes to the NFL, all a player needs is an opportunity. Kmet is bound to see plenty of those this year.
Featured image via Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
