Roquan Smith has given fans plenty of things to cheer for since joining the Bears as a first-round pick in 2018.
And this year has been no different. Smith leads the Bears in total tackles, ranks second in tackles-for-loss, third in sacks, and even has his first career pick-six (and a cool story to go with it). The Georgia product is stuffing the stat sheet in Year 4 of his pro career, building upon last year’s awesome (and too often overlooked) productivity.
With that being said, it’s good to see that football fans are showing Smith some love at the Pro Bowl ballot box:
#Bears players among leaders in Pro Bowl balloting by fans:
ILB Roquan Smith (3rd)
Returner Jakeem Grant (8th)
OLB Robert Quinn (10th)— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) December 2, 2021
The Chicago Bears have three players among the top-10 vote-getters at their respective positions, with Roquan Smith leading the charge. But let’s make sure to keep return specialist Jakeem Grant and pass-rushing outside linebacker Robert Quinn in the discussion. It might not seem like much, but in what has sometimes felt like a lost season, it’s nice to see (1) individuals play at a high level and (2) recognition from folks voting on Pro Bowls. Sure, it’s a popularity contest. But sometimes, the cool kids are deserving of high honors. And when that happens, it’s pretty neat.
Unfortunately, Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury. One serious enough to probably keep him from playing Sunday’s game against the Cardinals. And, yes, one serious enough to likely put him out of action for a few weeks. That’s a shame, because that will likely ding his Pro Bowl chances. The inside linebacker position is top heavy, with Smith producing at a high level. Even still …Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner being up to their usual tricks could push Smith down the ballot. Nevertheless, we can do our part in making sure Smith’s solid season doesn’t go unnoticed.