2020 NFL Draft: Notre Dame TE Cole Kmet scouting report
A 2020 NFL Draft scouting report for Notre Dame tight Cole Kmet.
Despite originally saying that he intended to return to South Bend for 2020, Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet has since changed his plans and has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft. Kmet is easily the best tight end in the 2020 NFL Draft class, showing great potential all over his film. Although Kmet hasn’t played football for very long, his tape is enough to make anyone believe in him.
Height: 6-5 1/2
Weight: 250 pounds
Career Stats (23 games): 60 receptions, 691 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns
2019 Season Stats (10 games): 43 receptions, 515 receiving yards, six receiving touchdowns
Games Watched: 2019: Georgia, Virginia, Virginia Tech
Strengths
Kmet’s biggest overall strength is his versatility as an offensive chess piece. Notre Dame likes to line him next to either tackle, in the slot, in a reduced split or sometimes out wide. His quick release allows him to succeed from multiple spots in the Notre Dame offense. In terms of route running, Kmet has relatively smooth hips and doesn’t waste too many steps when working through his stems, and gains good leverage on opponents.
He has a reliable pair of mitts, despite a few body catches present on his film at certain times. Shows good play speed, nothing insane but has the requisite speed you want in a starting tight end.
Weaknesses
Kmet is a two-sport athlete, as baseball was his first love and he has played his fair share of it in his lifetime. However, his inexperience in football is something to keep a note of despite the traits that stem from being a well-versed athlete.
Additionally, Kmet is not the best blocker, despite playing in-line a good bit. While there is a willingness to block, Kmet will win a few reps against smaller opponents, but by and large, he’s overpowered by stronger and bigger opponents. He could look to add more strength to help in that field.
Best Film: Georgia
Worst Film: Virginia Tech
Best Trait: Versatility
Worst Trait: Blocking
Round Grade: Late First Round
Pro Comparison: Greg Olsen
Summary
Overall, Kmet is the most versatile tight end in the 2020 NFL Draft who can be utilized in a number of different areas in the receiving corps. In his only year as a full-time starter, Kmet was one of the best tight ends in the nation. If it weren’t for a season-ending collarbone injury, Kmet would have been able to add to his stellar junior season.
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Kmet shows great athleticism on film in addition to his smooth release as well as his reliable hands. While he can improve as a blocker and in some of his catching technique, Kmet looks like a dependable target for any team looking for a tight end. A good showing at the NFL scouting combine could potentially boost his 2020 NFL draft stock.