NFL Draft: Grading each 2018 first-round pick after Week 11
By Randy Gurzi
8. Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith, LB
The Chicago Bears are playing very well so far this season and their defense is the biggest reason why. A lot of that can be attributed to the addition of edge rusher Khalil Mack — and he surely has done his part to make this team better.
Beyond Mack, the Bears have done a good job finding talented players as they rebuilt this side of the ball. In the 2018 NFL Draft, for instance, they added the first linebacker off the board in Roquan Smith out of Georgia.
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Smith came on strong at the end of his career with the Dawgs and shot up draft boards because of it. He may not have ideal size, but his instincts are second to none. He also didn’t allow a contract dispute that kept him out of training camp slow down his progress as an NFL starter.
While he’s not where he wants to be just yet, Smith is progressing every week and is a valued starter in one of the better defenses in the NFL this season.
They may not be the Monsters of the midway just yet, but the Bears defense is trending in the right direction.
Grade: B