The Chicago Bears defense featured three All-Pro players at the end of the 2018 season. They were Khalil Mack, Kyle Fuller, and Eddie Jackson. Mack delivered 12.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 14 games. Fuller had seven interceptions and Jackson had six with three defensive touchdowns. It was the best display of defensive football this city had seen in a long time. Expectations haven’t changed since then.
If anything they’re only getting higher.
One of the reasons for that came from Mack. While the focus remains on the star-studded core who thrived last year, he went out of his way to remind people that they may not be alone for much longer. A number of the younger guys are poised for breakouts of their own. The guy he referenced in this capacity is inside linebacker Roquan Smith.
As a rookie, the 8th overall pick delivered 121 tackles and five sacks. This despite missing all of training camp and the preseason. Not to mention him not being the starter when the regular season began. Mack warned the media at the beginning of training camp that the NFL better watch out for him.
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“Ultimately, I feel like [Smith] can be an All-Pro player. Along with Danny on the inside. I feel like those two should take over the All-Pro position this year. You can say that’s a large task for those guys. But I don’t think it will be.”
Khalil Mack isn’t prone to making bold declarations
There is no question that Mack is a confident man. However, he is hardly boastful. Superstars like him have a natural confidence that comes from being as great as they are. He doesn’t have that prima donna personality though. This is not a guy who is prone to spouting off major statements to the cameras like a Jalen Ramsey or Odell Beckham Jr. would. This is why his comment about Smith is so interesting.
It would be one thing to say Smith will be really good and a lot better than last year. To come right out and declare he’ll probably be an All-Pro? That is wild and shows how much the star Bears pass rusher has in the young linebacker. Smith showcased his potential last year in less than ideal circumstances. Now that he’ll have a full camp under his belt and comes with greater experience? It’s scary to think how much better he might get.
