The Chicago Bears have moved up in the previous two NFL Drafts to get their first round picks, but they stood pat in the eighth position this year and snagged Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith.
Smith, an All-American with blazing speed and strong coverage skills, turned a lot of heads this season, and experts around the football world agree that the Bears made an incredibly strong pick:
“Feels like the Bears got the next great young linebacker. In an evolving NFL where linebackers who can play coverage are prized, Smith is a standout for his versatility.”
“Another fantastic value pick, the Bears land a top-five talent to fill one of their biggest needs.”
NFL.com: A
Local
“The Bears found a much-needed speed and talent for their defense in Smith. The Georgia star was the best player on the board at the eighth pick.”
Rivals.com: B+
“I like Smith as a fit for the Bears and at a position of need. He’s the best tackler in the draft.”
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“Smith, one of the most dynamic all-around stack linebackers in this draft, should fill his role successfully.”
The Ringer: A+ for Fit, B for Value
“Smith is the prototype of the modern linebacker. He’s a bit undersized, but his range to run sideline to sideline and cover vast swaths of the field in the passing game trumps any concerns over a lack of bulk.”
