Chicago Bears Rookie Cole Kmet Sticking To His Process
The Chicago Bears are a perfect 3-0 heading into Sunday's game against Indianapolis and life is good for rookie tight end Cole Kmet.
The 6-foot-6, 262-pounder has caught just one pass on two targets, but Kmet isn't pressing or feeling the pressure to produce. Instead, Kmet is using the opportunity to learn from Jimmy Graham and Demetrius Harris as he knows it's a long season.
"It takes a lot of patience," Kmet said over a Zoom call. "Going from being the guy to now kind of being in the learning position with two vets ahead of me is something I have to learn to be patient with and something I'm fully embracing. Definitely, takes a lot of patience, but I have to use it to my advantage during the week. Being able to learn from these guys is invaluable. I'm making the most of it right now and continuing to improve each day and staying patient during this whole process."
Practice is an emphasis for Kmet as he looks to develop his game and learn veteran habits.
"I can see what can happen," Kmet stated. "I'm just sticking to my process in terms of coming out to practice and showing improvement every day and going week to week. I can see that happening, but it's a lot about patience at this point.
"I'm a young player in this league. I'm only 21 and I'll be 21 this full season. I have a lot to learn and a lot of ball to play."
The good news for Bears fans is Kmet feels comfortable with where he's at in his development and everything that comes off the field.
"I think there was a sense of comfort being at home," explained the Chicago native. "I know the area. I know Lake Forest and the area. Being comfortable with the area and driving around and knowing how to get to Halas Hall without directions is pretty cool. That type of familiarity was nice coming in and has made the transition a lot smoother than if I was somewhere else that I wasn't familiar with."
As with most rookies, Kmet has noticed the speed of the game is much different at the NFL level.
"I think the speed of the game is something that's amplified from college," said Kmet. "Everyone is on your level in that sense. There were times in college where you can be late off the snap and overpower a guy or get ahead of a guy somehow. Everything has to be on the details when you're playing against professionals."
That's not to say Kmet doesn't feel he can't play in the NFL because he firmly believes he can after three games.
"I think I've proved to myself at least I can play at this level," Kmet stated. "Being out on the field with those type of guys and type of athletes, it's been cool for me to see. I feel like I definitely belong up on this level. I think that's been pretty cool."