Introduction to Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland

Cole Kmet wasn’t necessarily thrilled when the Bears drafted another tight end with the No. 10 overall pick in April. “At first, you’re a little taken aback,” he said Tuesday. It didn’t take long, though, for the Bears to explain their vision to Kmet — head coach Ben Johnson called him soon after they picked Michigan’s Colston Loveland.

Understanding the Vision

“From there, you’re all on board on it and kind of understand their vision,” Kmet said. “You understand that there’s going to be areas where we complement each other, and there’s obviously – just like any position room – there’s going to be areas that we compete for things.” “That’s football and that’s how it should be.” Kmet has three years left on a four-year, $50 million contract he signed two years ago. The Bears can let him walk after this season and pay only $3.2 million in dead cap charges, though.

Coach’s Reassurance

On draft night, Johnson reassured Kmet that he was part of their plans. Later this offseason, they spoke in depth. “You’re just understanding their vision and their expectations for you as a player,” Kmet said. “It’s hard to come into work every day when you don’t know your set expectations. I think having those conversations kind of cleared the air a little bit.” Johnson praised Kmet’s intelligence, work ethic and attitude Tuesday. “You could tell instantly when he was around the other offensive players, the rest of the team, there’s an instant respect level …” he said. “He’s done things the right way for a long time. And so it’s been great, not just him learning the offense, but helping others in the process as well.”

Coexisting with Loveland

Kmet is convinced he and Loveland can coexist. The veteran is an in-line tight end, often playing alongside the tackle, while Loveland is considered more of a “move” tight end. “The goal with it is to become the best [two tight-end] tandem in the league,” Kmet said, “and see where we can take it from there.”

Left Tackle Update

It’s hard for Johnson to jump to any conclusions about the Bears’ left tackle competition between rookie Ozzy Trapilo and second-year player Kiran Amegadjie. The Bears haven’t even put pads on yet. And Braxton Jones, who has 40 career starts, is still recovering from ankle surgery. “The cool thing to see, is, Ozzy,for a guy that [for] a young player, he’s really polished in terms of the mental aspect of the game,” Johnson said. “We’re looking to key up some things, quicken up his steps, his identification process, and Kiran’s done a nice job just for the little bit that we’ve had him as well just the growth prospects. So far so good.” The two have each played with the first time during the Bears’ offseason program. “The No. 1 job of an offensive tackle — it doesn’t matter right or left — is to pass protect,” Johnson said. “And so you need to be able to block their best pass rusher one on one. … We’ve got to find out who the best pass protector is, the most consistent pass protector is.”

Perfect Attendance

Every single Bears player was inside Halas Hall for the first of three mandatory minicamp practices, Johnson said. “It was good to get everyone together,” he said. Not all of them practiced, though. Cornerbacks Kyler Gordon and Terell Smith, linebacker Amen Ogbongbemiga, linebacker TJ Edwards, guard Ryan Bates, receiver Luther Burden, Jones and Loveland all remain out with injuries. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson returned to practice after being gone last week but didn’t participate in many team drills.

Conclusion

The addition of Colston Loveland to the Bears has brought about a new dynamic, especially concerning Cole Kmet’s role. However, with open communication and a clear vision from the coaching staff, Kmet believes they can coexist and even thrive together. The upcoming season will be crucial in determining how these new team dynamics play out, especially with the left tackle competition heating up and the goal of becoming the best two-tight end tandem in the league.

FAQs

• Q: How did Cole Kmet initially react to the Bears drafting another tight end?
  A: Kmet was initially taken aback by the decision.
• Q: What is the nature of the contract between Cole Kmet and the Bears?
  A: Kmet has a four-year, $50 million contract with three years remaining.
• Q: What are the expectations for the left tackle position?
  A: The primary job is to pass protect and block the opponent’s best pass rusher one on one.
• Q: Who are the key players competing for the left tackle position?
  A: Rookie Ozzy Trapilo and second-year player Kiran Amegadjie are the main competitors.
• Q: What was notable about the attendance at the mandatory minicamp practices?
  A: Every single Bears player was in attendance, although not all of them participated in practices due to injuries.