Bucky Brooks has watched a lot of film in his career. He was a player for several year, then moved into a role as a scout. Before long he carved out a career on NFL Network as one of their top tape specialists. Somebody widely respected for his in-depth knowledge and unbiased opinion. That is why what he had to say about Roquan Smith was so interesting.
Brooks produced rankings recently of what he considers the five best defensive foursomes in the NFL. The Chicago Bears ranked 3rd in that group comprised of Khalil Mack, Eddie Jackson, Robert Quinn, and Smith. Mack and Jackson were no-brainers. Quinn was chosen for how well he complements Mack as a secondary pass rusher. The highest expectations though are reserved for Smith. Brooks seems to think people might be sleeping on the third-year linebacker too much.
Especially considering what he accomplished in just 12 games last season.
“Smith’s sophomore campaign didn’t measure up to his lofty standards, but he remains one of the top playmakers at his position based on his dazzling flashes. Limited to 12 games because of injury, the explosive sideline-to-sideline defender finished with 100 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception. If those numbers rate as a disappointing effort for the third-year pro, it is possible for Smith to reach All-Pro status in 2020 with a more consistent showing for the Bears.”
Roquan Smith should be a star if he stays healthy
Posting 100 tackles in 12 games is impressive. Don’t forget he also did that in only 13 starts as a rookie in 2018. Smith was playing the best football of his career down the stretch last season. He was everywhere. Sadly an unfortunate pectoral injury derailed his momentum. It’s possible he would’ve gone to his first Pro Bowl had he been able to finish.
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Instead, he’s often not mentioned in conversations of the best young linebackers in the league. It’s Darius Leonard or Leighton Vander Esch or Jaylon Smith. Even Fred Warner gets more attention than him. The guy is a playmaker. All he needs to do is put a full season together. Talent was never the question and neither was his knowledge of the game.
It’s all about health. Brooks is correct. He has the capacity to be one of the best in the business.