One of the biggest gripes holding Cole Kmet back from being a top TE is about to make his league perception look even worse in 2025

Cole Kmet's underutilization is about to be even worse

After the Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson, Kmet's stock was on the rise, that's until Chicago used their first-round pick on Michigan tight end Colston Loveland.

When the pick was made, Kmet admits he was "taken aback" until speaking with his new coach and understanding the vision Johnson had in mind to utilize both players. 

From Chicago's standpoint, having a dominant 2-TE formation is going to be fruitful for Johnson's scheme. From an outside standpoint, it's easy to see how those around the league could view Kmet's impact differently.

Over the past few seasons, Kmet has been THE guy at Chicago's tight end position. Now with Loveland in the picture, Kmet's underutilization as a three-down player will be even more evident to those watching based on how the team views Loveland.

"The versatility on both base and third down, that was really the biggest thing that stood out," offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said of Loveland. "He's a mismatch, he's a target, he's a guy that doesn't ever have to come off the field if you don't want him to."

Going with the younger, more explosive, target in this offense is the right move. But, that doesn't mean Kmet will be a full non-factor this upcoming season.

His reliable hands and blocking ability will still force the Bears to integrate him into the offense, paving the way for both tight ends to contribute.

"You understand that there’s going to be areas where we complement each other, and — just like any position room – there’s going to be areas that we compete for things," Kmet said. "That’s football and that’s how it should be. So, I’m excited about it — we’re going to make each other better."

All this to say, after the 2025 season, don't expect Kmet to rise any higher on this list. In fact, I can even seeing him continue to fall down the rankings, whether it's fair or not.