Cole Kmet wants to follow in Rob Gronkowski’s footsteps
By Josh Hill
Cole Kmet is starting his career as the best tight end prospect in the NFL Draft, and hopes to end it like Rob Gronkowski.
When one door closes, another one opens.
That could be the case for Cole Kmet, who is beginning his career in the NFL as one of the top prospects in this year’s draft class. The tight end from Notre Dame is likely to be a second-round pick and has his sights set on replicating the career of his football idol.
“For me, I’m a huge [Rob] Gronkowski guy,” Kmet told FanSided’s Mark Carman. “He’s a guy I really look up to and try and model my game after.”
Who knows, maybe Kmet will get to follow directly in Gronk’s footsteps and fill the void left by him in New England. After trading Gronkowski to the Buccaneers, where he joins the recently departed Tom Brady, the Patriots are looking to reset the foundation of their franchise.
Kmet could also be a fit in Chicago. The Bears signed Jimmy Graham, but recently released Trey Burton. Kmet is from Lake Barrington, Illinois, just outside Chicago, and his father Frank was a practice squad player with the Bears in the early 90’s.
Kmet is optimistic he will be the first tight end selected.
"“I think so. That’s kind of what I have been hearing,” Kmet said. “Hopfully that happens, but I’m just hoping to land in a great situation.”"
Wherever Kmet ends up he does not plan to be as busy as Gronk off the field. Kmet wants to stick with X’s and O’s for now.
“The on the field stuff is more what I’m interested in.”
Kmet spoke on behalf of Gillette. Fans can follow along on draft night at #NFLdraftredcarpet.