The Chicago Bears defense is loaded with stars. This is something the city has grown used to over the past several decades. There may be lulls from time to time, but like the ocean tides, they always come back in with a new generation of studs. The 2018 squad proved that with no fewer than four Pro Bowlers including two All-Pros. As a unit, they finished 1st in the NFL in points allowed and in takeaways. One name who came fairly close to joining them in Orlando last year was Roquan Smith.
The rookie inside linebacker was quite the revelation. While expectations were elevated because he was the 8th overall pick, nobody saw him doing what he did so quickly. Not without the benefit of training camp or preseason to prepare. This is likely why Marc Sessler of NFL.com predicts him to be the Bears representative who will make his first career Pro Bowl in 2019.
"Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks, Kyle Fuller and Eddie Jackson all made the Pro Bowl a year ago. It's no stretch to suggest Smith will be next after logging 121 tackles, five sacks and 12 pressures as a first-round rookie. He made leaps as the season crept along, boasting tangible pass-coverage skills and playing one of his most impressive games all year in Chicago's tight playoff loss to the Eagles. Smith's finest days are ahead."
Roquan Smith is ready to show everybody he is legit
One can imagine Smith didn't enjoy hearing it from some people that he wasn't the best linebacker in the draft last year. This due to the tremendous season had by Darius Leonard with the Indianapolis Colts. Setting aside the fact they play different positions, it's nonetheless a definite motivator for Smith. Aside from winning the Super Bowl, he wants to show everybody what he can do when he goes into a season fully prepared.
There is no doubt he was playing his best football down the stretch of last season. Over the final five games he had 34 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended and a sack. The guy was everywhere. There is no telling what preparation and added experience might do to his game. Chicago is eager to find out. That much is for sure. The big question is how differently will he be used under the direction of Chuck Pagano.
