Chicago Bears: 5 Bold predictions for 2019 pre-training camp

4. Roquan Smith has a big season

The Chicago Bears have a history of having great linebackers. Names like Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Brian Urlacher have been among the best in the game in their position.

Since Urlacher’s retirement in 2012 the Bears have been looking for his replacement. During that time, they weren’t worried about the next great linebacker; a decent one would suffice. Then they found Roquan Smith.

Smith’s rookie season was incredible. He finished the season with 121 tackles (eight for loss), five sacks, five passes defended and an interception. More incredible was the fact that he did all of that without the pleasure of having a training camp or a preseason.

Because of his lack of preseason, Smith progressively got better as the season went on. Three of his sacks, 68 of his tackles, and his interception came during the second half of the season. That carried on to the playoff game where he recorded seven tackles and intercepted a pass.

Smith has great athleticism and quickness. He uses that to be able to cover passes. His instincts are spot on and allow him to get in the backfield quickly. Many experts are expecting a big season for Smith. Last season, while he made the All-Rookie team, he didn’t make the Pro Bowl. That should change this season.

With a year under his belt, he should shine this season. There were times when he seemed like he was thinking too much and lost a step because of it. Now that he has a better understanding of the NFL speed, he won’t have that problem. With Khalil Mack, Leonard Floyd and Danny Trevathan surrounding him, there aren’t enough blockers to cover everyone and Smith will take advantage of that.

Prediction: 136 tackles (12 for loss), 7 sacks, 2 interceptions