Bears’ Roquan Smith named among the best linebackers in the NFL

Linebacker Roquan Smith has been one of Bears GM Ryan Pace’s rare hits in the first round of the NFL draft. Well, he’s certainly been the only so far. Following an impressive 2019 season, Smith rebounded following a season-ending pectoral injury with a breakout year in 2020, where he proved to be one of the NFL’s top linebackers.

ESPN released their rankings of top inside linebackers, where Smith landed at No. 6 on the list. Although, you could certainly argue Smith is too low on this list following his dominant 2020 season.

Smith tallied a career-high 139 tackles, including 98 solo tackles, six quarterback hits, four sacks, seven pass defenses, two interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. His 18 tackles-for-loss also led all inside linebackers and ranked second in the NFL to outside linebacker T.J. Watt.

“He put it all together,” a Pro Bowl defensive player told ESPN. “Run fits, active in the run, pass, sacks, very disruptive. Came downhill. Ton of [tackles for loss]. You noticed gradual improvement.”

Smith also totaled 42 run-stop tackle wins, which was of the best totals from the group of linebackers on ESPN’s list.

“He’s got the instincts, physical tackler, complete linebacker,” a prominent NFL coach said of the 6-foot, 230-pounder. “What doesn’t he have? Size — could be a little bit bigger, more range, taller, but that’s it.”

Following his breakout season, Smith is primed for a massive contract extension that should keep him in Chicago for the foreseeable future.