Chicago Bears: Tight ends have training camp buzzing so far

Cole Kmet

Similarly to Graham, Kmet has opened some eyes over his time in camp.

“The kid looks like he belongs.” (Sun Times)

Fans have had limited video of Kmet in a Bears uniform, but the footage we’ve seen has been fantastic. From contested catches to shedding tacklers, Kmet looks like he’s been there before. He certainly doesn’t look like a rookie.

Some teammates have astronomically high praise for the rookie.

One of Kmet’s biggest advocates in camp so far? It’s Graham:

“His football intelligence and his ability to soak in these plays and understand his assignments and to understand football and defenses is extremely impressive for a young kid.” (Larry Mayer)

Graham told Mayer that Kmet reminds him of himself at a younger age, adding that Kmet is “every bit” of 260 pounds. If Kmet can continue developing at an efficient pace and becomes even just a fraction of what Graham was earlier in his career, the Bears would be thrilled.

Tight ends coach Clancy Barone told the media he has been very pleased with Kmet in camp and that he sees the rookie as even “a tick” ahead of where a rookie tight end would normally be, especially considering the shortened offseason.

“Not to make it sound too grand, but I have zero concerns about Cole Kmet. I really do.” (Barone)

It seems as though the rookie has had a seamless transition to the pros, despite an unusual offseason and zero team programs prior to camp. If he’s as good as advertised in training camp, Pace has absolutely gotten the position right.