When the Chicago Bears drafted Roquan Smith 8th overall in 2018, expectations were pretty high. Not just because he was a top 10 pick, mind you. Smith was a really good player. One of the “safest” talents in the entire draft. Somebody most expected to have a strong career. Thus far, those assessments have proven true. Over the past two years, the linebacker has played a Pro Bowl-caliber level. The only thing to wonder is whether he’d eventually take that final step.

The one that previous Bears linebacking greats like George, Butkus, Singletary, and Urlacher did. A role as the unquestioned defensive leader. The man in the middle around which everything swirls. Through his first three years, Smith didn’t have to worry about that. Danny Trevathan, Akiem Hicks, and Khalil Mack offered plenty of veteran leadership to go around. However, those players are getting into the downside of their careers. All are into their 30s. Somebody of the new generation has to start stepping up.

Is Smith prepared for that responsibility?

Many within the locker room believe so without question. Head coach Matt Nagy and others have marveled at his maturation as a leader. It isn’t just about his play on the field anymore. He is willing to use his voice when necessary to get people pointed in the right direction. When asked about this, Smith made it clear he isn’t any sort of firebreather giving passionate speeches. He’ll let guys be the adults they are but also expects them to be accountable. If not? They can expect him to say something.

“I feel like I’ll be vocal when I need to be but I’m not some rah-rah guy and get out there and try to tell everyone what to do. I feel like we’re all adults here. We know right from wrong. We know if we’re doing the right things and what not. So it’s just about each and every individual holding themselves accountable and not looking for another guy to hold everyone accountable to their level. Guys know the level that we need to be on and what we need to play at to get the job done.”

This shows that Smith has gained that level of self-confidence all really good football players eventually reach. Where they’re sure enough of their own individual performance that they can start commenting and correcting on others. Urlacher reached that point after his first couple of seasons as did Singletary and others. The Bears always ended up being the better for it.

Roquan Smith is about to truly build his legacy

Mack, Hicks, and Trevathan are part of the Bears’ present. Everybody knows that sooner or later it has to become about the future. If this unit is going to continue having success moving forward, the next generation must begin to step up. The 24-year old linebacker stands at the heart of that movement. He has the youth on his side and is proving himself to be easily the best among that new generation.

It sounds like the coaches are ready to hand him the keys. This is going to be his defense soon. Is Roquan Smith prepared for that responsibility? Certainly sounds like it. What nobody knows for sure is whether he’ll be able to hold command of the huddle as those who came before him. That is what everybody is anxious to find out. Being a great individual talent is one thing.

What separates them from the best?

The ability to get more out of those around you. Think about the greatest inside linebackers. Urlacher. Ray Lewis. Jack Lambert. Junior Seau. All were superb talents, but truly made their mark as all-time leaders. Teammates loved them and more importantly followed them. That is where Smith must get if he is going to enter that upper tier of Bears history at his position.