It’s hard to find anybody who was upset when the Chicago Bears drafted Georgia linebacker, Roquan Smith. It was almost impossible to find a more polished, proven and capable player at any position in the entire draft. Best linebacker in college football? Check. Took his team to a national championship game? Check. Good fit for the defensive scheme. Yes indeed.
Everything about the pick made total sense. He may not have filled the biggest need at the time for the Bears, but he was definitely the best player on the board. So nobody can or should criticize GM Ryan Pace for picking him. One man who is doing anything but that is former cornerback Bryant McFadden.
Now an analyst for CBS Sports, McFadden played seven years in the league and during that time won two Super Bowls as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He might know a thing or two about what good defenders look like. That’s why it was interesting to hear his words regarding the new Bears rookie.
Long story short? He’s a big (BIG) fan.
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McFadden believes the Bears got a “bouncer” in Roquan Smith
“Roquan Smith? Boy, he’s a dog and I’m not just saying that because he went to Georgia. He is a DOG. He’s a tone-setter — he’s the guy who throws people out of the club. He’s like the bouncer and you have to have that type of personality on your defense.”
Before people think this is some sort of personal bias, McFadden went to Florida State. So don’t jump to conclusions. On the other hand, it’s shocking to hear him say such things about Smith. Shocking in a good way. Keep in mind this man played seven years in the league. During that time he stood shoulder to shoulder with guys like James Farrior and Lawrence Timmons.
These were Pro Bowl inside linebackers for the Steelers during their two Super Bowl runs in 2005 and 2008. So he’s seen some of the best in the business of his era do their thing. That’s why it should be considered high praise what he said about Smith.
It’s not just the Bears rookie though. McFadden is a huge believer in their entire defense, calling them one of the biggest sleepers of 2018. Akiem Hicks, Eddie Goldman, Leonard Floyd and their entire secondary received praise for what they’ve done and what they can still do under Vic Fangio. He thinks Chicago should be excited. After hearing words like that, it’s hard not to agree.
