Chicago Bears: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 02: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs during the first half in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2. Roquan Smith, OLB (Georgia)

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com pretty much nailed it when it came to his pre-draft analysis of University of Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith:

"Smith is an ascending linebacker prospect with elite athletic ability, plus intelligence and an ability to be an effective cover linebacker on passing downs. While he’s a little undersized, he does have the quickness and speed to keep himself from being mauled. He was good in 2016, but great in 2017 and projects as a player who hasn’t tapped his full potential. Smith has Pro Bowl traits and talent and will come off the board in the first round."

And come off the board he did. The Chicago Bears made him the eight overall selection on April 26. And now he joins a linebacking corps that includes productive Danny Trevathan, 2016 first-round pick Leonard Floyd and newcomer Aaron Lynch. The latter played for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in San Francisco and hopes to bolster the Bears’ pass rush a bit more.

As for Smith, he also hopes to make an immediate impact on a unit that put a lot of things together this past season. Chicago finished 10th in the league this past season in terms of yards allowed per game and allowed only 28 offensive touchdowns in 16 games. Could he help elevate this unit and make them one of the premier defense in the NFL?

Next: No. 1

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