Cole Kmet will shine in 2022

By: Jake Rajala

The Chicago Bears will have a challenge becoming a potent NFC team with their second-year QB Justin Fields. The Bears don’t have the sexiest roster, especially without Khalil Mack. There is no reason that Justin Fields can’t be a star in the league, but he will likely have growing pains in 2022. With that said, the Fields-led Bears would really benefit from a few profiles that could turn heads next season. Here are three Bears that could surprise the NFL world in 2022-2023.

Cole Kmet

Cole Kmet will not only improve his tool-kit entering his third season but there’s strong potential with the Fields-Kmet connection. Fields routinely hooked up with his TE1 in his starting reps as a rookie. Per PFF, Fields also thrives as a medium passer (78.1 passing grade), and Kmet is quite impressive as a pass-catcher in the middle of the field (94.8 receiving grade). I expect him to be a fine security blanket for Fields amid an offense that doesn’t have a lot of proven success from the WR spot.

Teven Jenkins

The Bears 2021 second-round pick Teven Jenkins had his feet wet in his rookie (six games). He will be getting prepared to unveil his first season as a 17-game starter this off-season. According to Sports Mockery, the OL coach Chris Morgan is already impressed by the work he’s shown this offseason. It’s safe to say that Jenkins is expected to be a big part of the Bears young offense.

Kyler Gordon

I believe it’s obvious that the Bears were gifted a steal in round two with Kyler Gordon. Bears Wire gave the Bears an A- for the selection of Gordon. He definitely has excellent man-to-man coverage skills and he should be an immediate impact player on the outside. Bears Wire has even stated that he has been “lighting it up” during practice. It seems like CHI may have found a true gem in round two.