Part 5 of an 11-part sequence previewing the NFL draft and analyzing the Bears’ wants.
Roquan Smith was a Pro Bowl alternate as a rookie final season. But even with spectacular numbers — 122 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, 5 sacks — by the attention take a look at you possibly can inform it was only a begin for the within linebacker from Georgia.
Smith received off to a late begin after holding out for the primary 29 days of coaching camp and missed 15 practices and — after struggling a hamstring damage early after signing — all 5 preseason video games.
He solely performed eight snaps within the season-opening 24-23 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field and had solely 18 tackles in his first 4 video games.
After lacking most of coaching camp and all the preseason, rookie linebacker Roquan Smith (58, tackling the Vikings’ Kyle Rudolph) led the Bears with 122 tackles final season. | Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Once he received going, he was pretty much as good as marketed because the eighth total decide of the 2018 draft. Instead of hitting the rookie wall, Smith was noticeably bettering because the season progressed. He had 82 tackles within the ultimate 9 video games of the regular-season, and 7 tackles and an interception within the playoff loss to the Eagles.
“It was huge to watch him just kind of flourish, especially in the late part of the year,” Bears basic supervisor Ryan Pace stated. “ You discuss to Roquan and you may simply really feel him — no totally different than any participant — simply feeling comfy within the protection. So now he’s not pondering as a lot, he’s simply enjoying along with his instincts, and he’s enjoying quick.
“Those are his best strengths — his instincts and his velocity. So the sky’s the restrict for him. It’s simply thrilling to see him develop. And I believe you noticed a glimpse of what he’s going to be, particularly within the later a part of the season.”
So pretty much as good as he was as a rookie, Smith is a candidate for a quantum leap in 2019. He’ll have all the offseason program that he didn’t have final season. He’ll take part totally in coaching recreation from the beginning and presumably in all of the preseason video games that coach Matt Nagy performs his starters. And, after all, all the teachings realized from a fruitful rookie season.
With Smith and veteran Danny Trevathan coming off a strong season wherein he additionally was a Pro Bowl alternate (102 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, two sacks), the Bears are set at inside linebacker heading into the 2019 season.
Nick Kwiatkoski is a invaluable reserve. The former fourth-round draft decide (2016) from West Virginia, performed solely 64 snaps on protection after beginning the opener for Smith. But he began 13 video games at inside linebacker in his first two seasons and certain would have been a productive starter if the Bears had not drafted Smith.
Joel Iyiegbuniwe, a fourth-round decide from Western Kentucky, performed solely 23 snaps on protection as a rookie however nonetheless figures to offer depth.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS
Grading the Bears’ want: Low. The Bears have two Pro Bowl caliber starters in Smith (who turned 22 on Monday) and Trevathan (29). Kwiatkoski has three seasons of expertise on this protection. On the opposite hand, it wouldn’t be a shock if Ryan Pace took a flyer on a participant he feels has slipped too low. This entrance seven makes nearly anyone a possible shock contributor.
On the roster: Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, Nick Kwiatkoski, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Jameer Thurman.
The 5 greatest draftees: LSU’s Devin White; Michigan’s Devin Bush; Alabama’s Mack Wilson; North Carolina State’s Germaine Pratt; Stanford’s Bobby Okereke.
Keep an eye fixed on: Minnesota’s Blake Cashman was a walk-on who earned a scholarship and stored on bettering. He ended up a crew captain and the Golden Gophers’ main tackler final season. He was a standout on the mix, working 4.5 within the 40, with a 37 1/2-inch vertical and 124-inch broad bounce. He’s projected as a mid-round decide and particular groups prospect. But with some stunning expertise and the soccer gene,…