Chicago Bears roster: Position group previews ahead of training camp
Chicago Bears Linebacker
The Chicago Bears have a rich history of having high-quality linebackers. That tradition continues with the likes of Khalil Mack and Roquan Smith.
Mack has taken a hit from some of the Bears fans over his lower number of sacks in the past two seasons. After averaging 12.3 sacks over a four-year period after his rookie season, he’s averaged just 8.8 in the past two. That has brought about talk about if he is experiencing a decline. Well, he isn’t.
While Mack receives some criticism from the fans in Chicago, people around the league recognize the totality of his game and not just sacks. In an ESPN survey of 50 executives, coaches, scouts, and players around the league, Mack ranked the fourth-best. Pro Football Focus has him ranked as not just the best edge rusher but the second-best defensive player and the sixth-best football player in the NFL.
With Sean Desai as the new defensive coordinator, Mack should see those sack totals rise again and some fans will hail the king once again. Desai is a disciple of Vic Fangio. Under Fangio, Mack had one of his best seasons. He had 12.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a pick-six.
Mack’s counterpart, Robert Quinn, is another story. The Bears signed him to a big free-agent contract last season and he rewarded them with just two sacks, six quarterback hits, and 20 tackles. He needs to improve on those numbers if the defense returns to elite form.
Smith is ready for a breakout season. He’s been playing well since his rookie season but the national attention hasn’t been there yet. With a more aggressive defensive scheme, Smith should flourish.
Danny Trevathan would be the biggest recipient of having Goldman back in the fold. He got exposed early on last season having to play hard against the run and get in coverage. He did play better as the season progressed, however.
In the rotation, the Bears have Josh Woods, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Trevis Gipson, Jeremiah Attaochu, and James Vaughters. In addition, they have a familiar face returning. Christian Jones, who signed with the Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2014. He played the last three seasons with the Detroit Lions but now suits up with the Bears once again.
This will be a competitive group of linebackers. The coaches will have difficult decisions to make. In a more aggressive style of defense, this unit should have many opportunities to make big plays.