Chicago Bears: Big board for 2018 NFL Draft

2. Linebacker Roquan Smith, Georgia

Arguably the best linebacker in this draft class, Roquan Smith possesses some scary traits and is likely within Pace’s top three prospects. This guy has the speed to chase down running backs before they even think about getting to the edge. He is a run-stopper, pass rusher and all-around phenomenal linebacker who probably doesn’t even know how good he could be under the type of coaching he’d get in Chicago.

Where does Smith get all of his speed and quickness from? He played wideout in high school — yeah, insane, right?

Smith is explosive. He’s slippery. He’s instinctual. He is a flat-out stud at the linebacker position. Which position, though, fits him best? More than likely, I’d think the Bears would use him on the inside. At just 6-foot-1, he doesn’t quite possess the size you’d like to see out of an edge rusher. But, like I said, he sure does have the speed.

Smith has shown decent coverage skills, so placing him in the middle might better suit him. But, that’d ultimately be Fangio’s decision.

If this next guy is gone by the Bears’ pick at eight, I’d say Pace needs to jump on Smith and get himself a day-one starter that will bring this defense to the next level right away.