Here’s an interesting question. When thinking about the Chicago Bears defense, who do you feel are likely the biggest trash talkers. Most would probably go to Akiem Hicks or Eddie Jackson. Both are two of their most vocal leaders after all. Very few people would probably select Roquan Smith. The linebacker is a great player but he’s known for being somewhat reserved in front of the cameras.
That inevitably leads many to think he isn’t prone to yapping on game days. They might be surprised. Smith was mic’d up for Bears minicamp this past month. As it turns out, he’s a bit more vocal than we gave him credit for. At first he tried to maintain his ongoing persona, insisting he’s never one to talk trash. Not unless somebody says something to him.
Turns out Smith was fibbing a bit.
As drills got going, he was caught yelling at the Bears’ offensive sideline after the coaches attempted to call a wheel route to rookie Khalil Herbert. Smith was in his back pocket the entire way as the ball fell incomplete. His indignation that they’d even try such a pass on him was delightful. Then shortly later he seemed to diagnose a pass play that would’ve seen the receiver get blown up. He made sure to let receivers coach Mike Furrey know about it.
What is great about this is the fact the young linebacker is clearly out of his shell. He’s no longer the timid rookie he was a few years ago. He’s matured into one of the emerging leaders on defense. The timing couldn’t be better with other core members like Hicks, Danny Trevathan, and Khalil Mack pushing into their 30s.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Roquan Smith is ready to make it his defense
He plays the necessary position to be that leader in the middle. Thus far he’s acquiesced to Trevathan in that regard. Now though? Outside of Mack, he’s the best player on the defense. He’s backed up everything with his play thus far. Smith should’ve gone to the Pro Bowl in 2020. Now with Eddie Goldman returning, he is poised to maybe have the best season of his career. Especially when a huge contract extension is at stake.
The Bears would love for nothing better than that to happen. Especially GM Ryan Pace. Roquan Smith is far and way the best 1st round pick he’s made to date. A breath of fresh air after his disappointing three-pick stretch of Kevin White, Leonard Floyd, and Mitch Trubisky. Being able to reward Smith for becoming a star would shine a bright light on him as well.
It comes down to what happens over the next few months.
If he delivers another season like last year, Smith figures to overtake Bobby Wagner as the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL. From there? He can begin his journey to perhaps join the pantheon of previous greats like Brian Urlacher, Mike Singletary, and Dick Butkus. It would be more than okay if he decided to add trash talking to his repertoire along the way.