Cole Kmet is entering a crucial third year in the NFL as a tight end. If he doesn’t improve from 2021, then it’s likely he won’t ever truly “breakout” as a tight end. Many tight ends break out in their third year, which is why this year is so crucial. Cole Kmet had a mini-breakout last year despite not catching any touchdowns. That’s due to Jimmy Graham and not Kmet. Graham is gone, and Kmet’s the lead dog in the tight end room for the Chicago Bears in 2022. Expect Cole to open some eyes this year, either in a good or bad way.
Cole Kmet 2021 Season
One can easily say that Cole Kmet’s 2021 season was a success. He more than doubled his career yardage, receptions, and targets. Granted, he failed to catch a touchdown due to Jimmy. Cole started all 17 games, playing 83% of the team’s offensive snaps. He saw 93 targets and caught 60 of them for 612 yards. This equates to a very healthy 10.2 yards per reception.
Kmet had to battle with Graham for red zone targets while dealing with a flurry of quarterback changes. It didn’t help that he had a head coach way in over his head. After seeing what Kmet had to go through on the Bears in 2021, I’d say he showcased a lot of talent and composure. Cole was a steady, reliable tight end and TE2 in fantasy.
Cole Kmet 2022 Season Outlook
In 2022, Cole Kmet will be playing to prove he’s worth a big-money extension. He’ll also be looking to help the Bears move on from Matt Nagy with a new coaching staff in place. Under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, don’t be surprised if he’s used similar to Robert Tonyan was in 2020 with Green Bay. Cole should see plenty of red zone looks while playing a ton.
My personal projections for rising tight end star Cole Kmet.
Using the projections I made for Cole Kmet, he would be right on the border of a TE1/2. I have him playing in all 17 games in a PPR format which means he’s averaging 10.1 ppg. This means that Cole Kmet is a worthy starter in tight-end premium leagues or serving as a successful bye-week filler. You could do far worse than having Cole Kmet as a TE on your team.
Cole Kmet will be serving as the #2 target for the Chicago Bears, behind only wide receiver Darnell Mooney. The Bears want Justin Fields to take a big step forward as a quarterback this season. So logically, the Bears decided not to do anything to upgrade their receiving options for the young Fields. That helps our dynasty teams out with Kmet. I think Kmet will see over 100 targets just because I don’t see Byron Pringle or Velus Jones stealing enough targets.
The arguments to trade for or away Cole Kmet
In dynasty, having a young reliable tight end on your roster is amazing. Not only do you have a player you can rely on, but you don’t have to worry about age or contract issues. You know that Kmet will be with the Bears for at least two years. You know his talent and stats will only increase unless an injury happens. Then, you don’t have to search for another TE2 or TE1. Good tight ends aren’t easily found, unlike wide receivers.
In this case, I argue that if you have Kmet, you keep him. It doesn’t matter if you’re contending or rebuilding. Kmet’s a great value as your TE2 since you likely spent a second at most to acquire him. If you’re rebuilding and don’t get an offer you love, keep him. He’s only 23! Kmet can be on your team through two contention windows. If someone offers Kmet up, I’d see if he can be had for a second. I wouldn’t spend a first. A second is more reasonable, or see if you can get him in a package deal.
Summary
Cole Kmet and the Bears are adjusting to a new offensive identity. Surely it can’t get worse than the last couple of years. Kmet’s a 23-year-old tight end that’s on the rise. He already was a TE2 last year while scoring zero touchdowns. I fully predict for him to do very well this year, at least in terms of tight ends. Being the #2 option on an offense will give him over 100 targets. In dynasty, I want Cole Kmet on my team. He’s young enough to fit any kind of plan you have. Get some Kmet the Frog on your team.
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As always, May the Force be with You…
