When it comes to linebackers, no team has mastery of the position like the Chicago Bears. Their track record speaks for itself. Bill George? Dick Butkus? Mike Singletary? Brian Urlacher? All in the Hall of Fame. This doesn’t include other greats like Lance Briggs, Wilbur Marshall, Doug Buffone, Otis Wilson, and Joe Fortunato. Nowadays Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith are keeping that legacy alive and well.
Yet under GM Ryan Pace, the success stories go even deeper than that. Nick Kwiatkoski was a 4th round pick in 2016 and climbed the ladder to become a well-paid free agent this year by the Las Vegas Raiders. Kevin Pierre-Louis came through for a season last year, played his best football and earned a payday from Washington. It’s pretty impressive how this team just continues to find quality talent at that position.
Did they do it yet again? Too early to know for sure but it sounds like the returns regarding Rashad Smith are noteworthy. The Bears signed the Florida Atlantic standout as an undrafted free agent this offseason. The primary concern with him? Size. Smith is 6’1 and just 220 lbs, which is on the smaller side for NFL linebackers.
Yet his production speaks for itself.
In three years as a starter, he made 280 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 10.5 sacks, six interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He was constantly around the football. Recent accounts suggest he’s making his presence felt at Halas Hall.
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“The inside linebackers had a field day against the screen, with Roquan Smith blowing up a couple plays in the backfield. When the reserves were on late, undrafted rookie inside linebacker Rashad Smith drew cheers from the defensive sideline for similar stops.”
Smith could be a sleeper to make the Chicago Bears roster
Right now there are three linebackers on the roster who can be considered locks to make the final 53. Roquan and Trevathan are obvious. Joel Iyiegbuniwe is another thanks to his prowess on special teams. That leaves the question. Will the Bears carry four inside linebackers or five this season? It’s worth noting that they had six on the roster through most of 2019.
So it stands to reason they will likely have five since that’s all they have on the roster. This means Smith would be in the mix. The size concerns are valid but it’s apparent his instincts, speed, and fiery temperament are getting results on the field. The kid competes hard. His ability to hang with tight end J.P. Holtz down the field and break up a pass in the end zone is an example of what he can do.
If he can add some weight and strength? He could have a bright future.
