Bears snag Roquan Smith with 8th overall pick

The Chicago Bears have selected linebacker Roquan Smith out of Georgia with the eighth overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Smith, the third defensive player drafted this year, spent most the 2017 season considered a top pick and was expected to be a top-ten selection in the days leading up to the draft.

The Bears get an every-down player who should be a starter from Day 1 in Chicago's 3-4 defense, which was ranked 10th in yards, beside fellow inside linebacker Danny Trevathan.

Roquan Smith Bio

Position: LB
School: Georgia
College Experience: Junior
Height: 6-1
Weight: 236 lbs

Strengths

• Efficient tackler in run and pass defense: rarely missed tackles during college career.
• His pursuit and closing speed is second to none in this class. Once he diagnoses his opponents' play, he displays incredible burst to attack the ball carrier.
• Athletic linebacker who is very fluid in close quarters and in space.
• Ideal middle linebacker in 4-3 scheme: can command a defense and is an effective zone defender in the middle of the field.
• Able to rip and shed blockers with ease against opposing rush attacks and screen passes.
• Has a nose for the ball and is not afraid to get dirty.

Weaknesses

• Lacks ideal height/frame NFL teams desire for an inside linebacker.
• Not always quick to diagnose: can spend too long reading the play before reacting.
• Explosive style leads to lack of awareness of incoming blockers after shedding initial contact.
• Will get dragged by powerful offensive linemen in run defense at times.

Athletic testing