Chicago Bears: Ranking 4 LB prospects based on fan votes

Roquan Smith, Georgia (58% of votes)

Yes, of course, Roquan Smith is the clear-cut favorite at this point, given all options outside of Bradley Chubb. While I love the idea of any of the previous three players in a Bears uniform, Smith gets me the most excited — the fans got it right.

Some people have Smith pegged as an outside linebacker; others at inside linebacker. Regardless, he’s one heck of a prospect. Smith is incredibly fast. As a former high school wide receiver, Smith’s transition to linebacker has been surprisingly smooth since then. The one thing that hasn’t escaped him is his speed.

Smith is probably the best coverage linebacker in the draft, which is a rare skill to have these days as so many college linebackers are focused on getting to the quarterback and diagnosing the run. One expert compared Smith to Ray Lewis, saying he was just that good in coverage.

The ability to read a quarterback’s eyes is something every defensive back longs to bring to perfection. Smith can do that as a linebacker, giving him the chance to make plays against the pass quite often.

Not only is Smith great in coverage, but he is also solid against the run. He has a nose for the ball, regardless of what type of play is called. Every once and a while, you come across a player who is always found around the ball at the last whistle blow — that’s Smith. His lives and dies to find the football — that’s it.

Next: Which edge prospect fits best?

Smith’s versatility would give Fangio something to think about over the summer, although he might be best in the middle when all is said and done. Either way, Smith is a future stud in the NFL and I would be delighted to see the Bears grab him at no. 8 overall.