Chicago Bears: 5 Inside linebackers to target in 2018 NFL Draft

Roquan Smith, Georgia: 6-1, 236 pounds

Many consider Roquan Smith as the top inside linebacker prospect in this draft. He has a lot of what you want in one — elite athletic ability, intelligence, ability to cover, and a great leader. Smith was a high school wide receiver so he has elite speed and athleticism. He plays sideline-to-sideline and catches running backs trying to hit the corner.

Pro Football Focus recently ran an article about Smith being a new prototypical linebacker. In the past, you wanted a 250-pounder who hits like a mack truck. With the passing game as big as it is today, today’s linebackers need to perform well in coverage and utilize savvier forms of gap-control against the run.

Against the run, Smith isn’t a downhill hitter. He utilizes his speed to hit gaps and get into the backfield, or chase down backs going sideline-to-sideline. Also, he takes phenomenal angles to slip past blockers and get to the ball carrier.

Additionally, Smith’s coverage skills are as good as a lot of cornerbacks. He utilizes his speed to play man-to-man (including playing deep routes), and he does well to keep everything in front of him in zone coverage.

Smith has great hips. That allows him to stay with runners who cut back, and he can flip from one target to another without difficulty.

While Smith is a new-era linebacker, some scouts still view his size as a concern. He is shorter and lighter than a normal linebacker so if a blocker gets a hold of him he can be blown out of a play. However, that’s where his speed comes in handy. He can move a lot faster than opposing blockers and his anticipation is good so he can get the jump on them.

Off the field, Smith is a great leader. He holds himself accountable for what he does on the field, and holds others accountable. Players gravitate towards him and follow his lead. He’s a great pickup on and off the field for the Bears.