Chicago Bears: Top 5 most likely candidates in first round of NFL Draft

5. LB Roquan Smith, Georgia Bulldogs

Roquan Smith’s combine did not quite go as he had planned, but regardless, he remains one of the top options for the Bears at eight overall. Smith ran his first 40-yard dash and called it a day after experiencing tightness in his hamstring.

His 40 time was still impressive, though it ended his day. Smith ran a 4.51 at 6’1″ and weighing 236 pounds.

Without seeing Smith complete any additional drills, we still know enough about him to project him as a top-10 pick. Arguably the best linebacker in the nation in 2017, Smith helped his Bulldogs reach the National Championship game and put on a show for the ages.

Smith tallied 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack in Georgia’s loss to Alabama.

As I have noted previously, Smith is a bit undersized and that’s really the one huge knock on him. However, his speed and athleticism make up for that. He boasts a keen ability to avoid blockers and get himself to where the ball is headed.

In 2017, Smith finished with an lucrative 137 tackles — 85 of them being solo. He also managed 14 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.

Drafting Smith would give the Bears an insanely quick pairing on the outside between he and another former Bulldog, Leonard Floyd. I can imagine how fun it would be to see both of these guys rush the passer at the same time — a lethal combination in the waiting.