Roquan Smith Might Be the Prototype of New Inside Linebackers and Other Bullets

Apr 27, 2018

Where were you when it became officially official?

Proof. #NFLDraft #BearsDraft pic.twitter.com/FDe6pLRqTm

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 27, 2018

Between free agency and the draft, there’s been a lot of talk about player fits. The Bears hope to follow a productive early free agency signing period with a draft that matches. JJ Stankevitz of NBC Sports Chicago explains why Roquan Smith is an excellent fit for a Bears defense that looks to have just upgraded at inside linebacker. A sure-handed tackler with strong instincts and a high football IQ is going to fit any system, but there’s something that feels so right about the Butkus Award winner being drafted by Chicago.

I liked the angle that Adam Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times took, writing that Smith is to Vic Fangio’s defense what Mitch Trubisky is to Matt Nagy’s offense. Smith is built similarly to Patrick Willis, a player Smith appears to have idolized growing up as a young linebacker. And since Fangio coached Willis’ best years in San Francisco, I feel like this won’t be the first time we’ll see that comp – it definitely won’t be if we continue to use the term “tackling machine” to describe Smith, as it was in Bob LeGere’s profile and run-down of the pick.

The Smith love didn’t start last night, though. I did some digging and unearthed this piece by D. Orlando Ledbetter over at the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Back in March, Ledbetter wrote Smith fit the new prototype for inside linebackers. If he is right, then the Bears might have just landed an absolute steal.

Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly casts some doubt about making Smith the pick, sharing his belief that the All-American is a better fit as the weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Arkush favorably compares Smith to former Bears Pro Bowler Lance Briggs and Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks – both of whom excelled in a Cover-2/4-3 scheme. From where I’m sitting, Hall of Fame players fit in any system. So if Smith turns out to be a 3-4 version of Brooks or Biggs, then so be it.

And then there is Dan Durkin of The Athletic, who dives into why he believes Smith is a perfect fit in Fangio’s defense. I suppose it’s all a matter of taste, but some of the video work Durkin highlights in a previous profile piece really shows what kind of oomph Smith can bring to this defense.

Another in-depth piece from The Athletic, this time from Seth Emerson – who covers college football and the Georgia Bulldogs. Emerson’s piece paints Smith as a playmaker who made things happen everywhere on the field. Size doesn’t measure production, and Smith had plenty of it in his college career.

Fun facts are fun, and John Sahly of Pro Football Weekly has five fun facts about the Bears’ newest inside linebacker. For example, did you know that the Georgia native shares a birthday with Outkast legend Andre 3000? Me either. And now we’ve both learned something today.

Colleen Kane’s draft capsule in the Chicago Tribune highlights what Smith brings to the table and catches us up with everything we need to know about the Bears’ first-round selection.

This scouting report from Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com is quite encouraging:

Somehow, @RoquanSmith1 was not one of the subjects of Who's Your Guy. Here's @dpbrugler scouting report. pic.twitter.com/RNksOd87SR

— Bernstein & McKnight (@Bernstein_McK) April 27, 2018

The love didn’t stop with there:

Georgia boy lets go!!!!

— L8F4➰➰ (@Leonard90Flo) April 27, 2018

Bears just got a FOOTBALL PLAYER, the best defensive player at his position. Leader, hitter, baller. Another great Bears linebacker. A Chicago-style throwback: Roquan Smith.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 27, 2018

I heard from an #AFC decision maker that thinks “Roquan Smith is @LanceBriggs with 4.5 speed.” #Bears

— Laurence Holmes (@LaurenceWHolmes) April 27, 2018

I met with @RoquanSmith1 on his visit with the Bears. Hell of a player, but an even better man. Great pick @ChicagoBears

— Charles Leno Jr (@charleslenojr72) April 27, 2018

Roquan Smith had the most total run stops without a missed tackle of any LB in this #NFL Draft#Bears pic.twitter.com/dLFKFI8jGW
— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) April 27, 2018

Welcome to Chicago, @RoquanSmith1! #BearsDraft 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/U0s9sBHaeN

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 27, 2018

There seems to be an overwhelming majority of support for the pick publicly. Judging by our interactions, you folks seem quite pleased with it. I suppose we can find some further confirmation in that 94 percent of responding voters gave the “thumbs up” when answering our poll question regarding how you felt about the pick.

Meanwhile, I thought there would be more of you who were disappointed that Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson wasn’t even on the board when it happened:

I’m looking forward to the poll results here.

Are you disappointed that Quenton Nelson was off the board by the time the Bears were going on the clock?

— The Ten-Yard Line (@TheTenYardLine) April 27, 2018

Somewhere, there is an alternate universe where Nelson is available and drafted by the Bears. And then there’s a totally different world where Nelson is available and the team still takes Smith. Could you imagine the reactions if that’s how it went down? Well, it sounds like it would’ve been possible had it played out with the Colts going in a different direction:

Even if Quenton Nelson was still on the board, I think the #Bears take Roquan Smith. They had their eyes on defense for some time. Chubb, Ward and Fitzpatrick were others.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) April 27, 2018

As for the possibility of a trade, Pace said interest “wasn’t super strong” and that as soon as they knew Smith would be available, they weren’t interested in moving. Not only did the Bears have their eyes on defense, they had hopes on landing one of the absolute best defenders in the draft. As we mentioned, Bradley Chubb, Denzel Ward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick were each considered to be the best at their respective positions. As it turns out, the Bears will have some pretty solid offensive line options in Round 2 as UTEP’s Will Hernandez, Texas’ Connor Williams, and Iowa’s James Daniels are among the available linemen.

Of course, the Bears could continue to add to the defense, as first-round caliber defenders including Iowa cornerback Josh Jackson, Colorado cornerback Isaiah Oliver, Ohio State defensive lineman Sam Hubbard, Georgia outside linebacker Lorenzo Carter, and Boston College edge rusher Harold Landry went undrafted on Day 1. Looking at it through the wide lens, passing on Nelson for Smith might have been the best-case scenario for the Bears.

written by

Luis C. Medina

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

Bears Rookie Minicamp Takeaways: Caleb Williams and the Best of the Rest

I've said it, and I'll continue to say it: this chapter of Chicago Bears football feels different. Perhaps it's because the last time we did this, we were in a pandemic, and when the Bears jumped up to No. 11...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

Jared Goff Becomes the Highest-Paid Lion Ever!

The Detroit Lions have been busy in recent weeks securing their core after a run to the NFC title game last season. Jared Goff became the latest player to get a new deal in Detroit, and he became the highest-paid...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

Antoine Winfield Jr Signs Record-Breaking Extension

The Buccaneers have made Antoine Winfield Jr the highest-paid defensive back in the history of the NFL. On Monday afternoon, Winfield Jr and Tampa Bay agreed to a four-year, $84.1 million deal. It also guarantees the Bucs' star $45 million....

Matt Rooney

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Sign 6 Players After Rookie Minicamp Weekend Tryouts

The Chicago Bears offseason roster churn continues. In addition to their five-player draft class headlined by Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze (plus nine more players who were signed as undrafted free agents), the Bears have signed six free agents who...

Luis C. Medina

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

They’re No. 1: Bears Wide Receivers Room Ranks as NFL’s Best

One of my biggest frustrations with the Ryan Pace regime was how the former Chicago Bears general manager didn't invest in wide receiver upgrades the way you'd expect a team building around a young quarterback should. Meanwhile, his replacement, Ryan...

Luis C. Medina

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

The Cost of Being a Football Fan (And Other Bears Bullets)

In yet another reminder that nothing in life is free, the folks at Awful Announcing put the total cost to access NFL games this season projects to be $855.86. With 272 games on the NFL schedule, that comes out to...

Luis C. Medina

May 13, 2024

Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze Missed Saturday’s Bears Rookie Minicamp Practice

I was rounding up this morning's set of Bears Bullets when I saw this note from the Chicago Tribune's Dan Wiederer on rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze sitting out Saturday's practice with hamstring tightness and I knew I had to...

Luis C. Medina

May 12, 2024

Chicago Bears

A New Tight End, Day 2 Camp Pics and Vids, Edge Market Developing, and Other Bears Bullets

It's Mother's Day today. And while my mother passed away in 2017, I try to use this day to remember and honor her memory. Do something nice for the moms in your life today. You only get one. Chicago Bears...

Luis C. Medina

May 12, 2024

Chicago Bears

Caleb to Rome, First Day Notes, Big LSU Bet Is Off, and Other Bears Bullets

I'm off to Springfield to play the role of Uncle Lu this weekend, so we'll have an abridged version of Bears Bullets today. Caleb Williams survived his first practice as Chicago Bears QB1. And all was right with the football...

Luis C. Medina

May 11, 2024

Chicago Bears

Tory Taylor is the First Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

There will be no punter hold out this summer. Tory Taylor is officially locked in: https://twitter.com/chicagobears/status/1789283410294321438?s=46&t=9_XcB6r0ywNyv4WuAOFkLA The Chicago Bears announced Tory Taylor’s signing on Saturday morning. And in doing so, made him the first of the team’s five 2024 NFL...

Luis C. Medina

May 11, 2024

How to Watch

Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Las Vegas Aces face the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET in the season opener for both teams. The matchup airs on ESPN2 and ESPN+.Watch the WNBA all season long on Fubo!How to Watch...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

How to Watch

Seattle Storm vs. Minnesota Lynx: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Minnesota Lynx take on the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The game, the first of the 2024 season for both teams, tips at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN3, BSNX, FOX13+, and Prime Video.Watch...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Phillies vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Philadelphia Phillies will take the field against the New York Mets (19-21) on Tuesday. The game begins at 1:10 PM ET on SNY, with the Phillies listed as -140 favorites on the moneyline.Aaron Nola starts for Philadelphia while Jose...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Phillies vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – May 14

The New York Mets (19-21) play on Tuesday in Queens against the Philadelphia Phillies (29-13). First pitch is at 1:10 PM ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Phillies will send Aaron Nola (4-2) to the mound, while Jose...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Celtics vs. Cavaliers Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The Boston Celtics are massive 15.5-point favorites in a decisive Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on Wednesday, tipping off at 7:00 PM ET on TNT. The Celtics have...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Picks

Thunder vs. Mavericks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Wednesday, May 15, 2024

The Dallas Mavericks are 4.5-point underdogs in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center on Wednesday, tipping off at 9:30 PM ET on TNT. The series is tied 2-2....

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

NBA Picks

Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves meet in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets are favored by 4.5 points in the contest, which airs on TNT at 10:30 PM ET. The over/under in...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

NBA Picks

Knicks vs. Pacers Predictions, Best Bets and Odds: Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 – Tuesday, May 14, 2024

The Indiana Pacers are slight 2.5-point underdogs in Game 5 of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, tipping off at 8:00 PM ET on TNT. The series is...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

How to Watch

New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Washington Mystics go up against the New York Liberty at St. Elizabeths East Entertainment and Sports Arena on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The game, the first of the 2024 season for both teams, tips at 7:00 PM ET on...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

How to Watch

Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Indiana Fever go up against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. The game, the first of the 2024 season for both teams, tips at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.Watch the WNBA...

Data Skrive

May 14, 2024

Roquan Smith Might Be the Prototype of New Inside Linebackers and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular