NFL Insider Predicts Bears Rookie Class Will Be Best of 2018

The Chicago Bears 2018 draft class is almost the polar opposite to the 2017 version. Not so much because of the players involves but because of the media impressions around them. A year ago GM Ryan Pace was blasted for his work. His misguided trade up for Mitch Trubisky? Taking an unproven tight end in Adam Shaheen, a safety coming off a broken leg in Eddie Jackson and an undersized running back in Tarik Cohen? Some declared Pace had gotten himself fired for such a poor draft. Then all four of those rookies made an impact in 2017. So what could happen this year with most of the media fawning over the Bears' 2018 class? It's true. The buzz hasn't abated for the past week plus. Excitement is growing and the group hasn't even seen the field yet. It's a testament to the talent Chicago was able to bring in. That's all fine and good, but they still need to play the games. The Bears class may have talent but can they help the team win right away? Chicago hasn't seen even seen a .500 record since 2013 and the playoffs since 2010. They badly need something to jolt them out of this funk. One man believes this class will do it.

Respected insider has peak expectations for Bears 2018 draft class

Matt Bowen of ESPN has established himself as one of the most respected analysts in the field. A former player, he maintains a strict evaluation process centered around tape evaluation. That's why it was fascinating when he got asked which rookie class will have the greatest impact in 2018.

"Chicago Bears. It starts with linebacker Roquan Smith. He's a blue-chip talent with the speed and natural instincts to find the ball. Great fit for Vic Fangio's defense. Up front, Iowa center/guard James Daniels has the athleticism and pro-ready technique to compete for a starting job. And wide receiver Anthony Miller should find a role as a slot target for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The quicks are there and so is the playmaking ability."

Bowen is one of the biggest fans of Smith in the national media. He's gushed about the Georgia linebacker on multiple occasions. In another article, he stated the eighth overall pick had landed with the absolute perfect team in Chicago.

"Smith can close in a hurry. And don't forget about his tackling technique. Wrap up, and put the ball carrier down. Smith should line up inside in the Bears' 3-4 base scheme, but I believe his biggest impact comes in their nickel packages. That's where Smith can get sideline to sideline, match running backs in the passing game or drop as a zone defender. Read the QB and go. The Bears got a blue-chip talent here."

Bowen knows what he's talking about. He predicted Kansas City and Carolina were ideal landing spots for Patrick Mahomes and Christian McCaffrey last year. Both ended up flashing huge potential for those respective teams. His love of the Bears' draft is a welcome sign that they could be in store for a big year, health permitting.