Chicago Bears Draft: 3 ways Ryan Pace can nail first round

No Nelson? Roquan Smith is the answer.

If Quenton Nelson happens to be drafted before the Bears pick at no. 8, then I’m looking at Roquan Smith if I’m Pace. While middle linebacker isn’t the top need for Chicago, it sure is up there, and Smith is the best in the draft.

Nick Kwiatkoski will have a chance to compete for the starting inside spot next to Danny Trevathan, but if the Bears can bring in Smith, that competition becomes a bit less interesting. Smith is undersized at 6’1″, however that’s really the biggest knock on him. The rest of his profile is quite attractive to a team like the Bears.

Chicago has a rich tradition of linebackers, especially those in the middle. Smith is a future Pro Bowl player, so why not make him the next great Bears linebacker?

Smith is incredibly quick. His 40-time was quite impressive at 4.51 seconds, and this speed of his gives him the ability to cover a lot of ground in a hurry. He’s a former high school wide receiver who can stop on a dime and change direction like a running back.

The guy is not afraid to deliver a hit, either. He likes himself some contact and is an elite finisher. Smith wraps up and doesn’t let go, which is a talent best served with a guy who can also diagnose plays at light speed. Smith figures it out, heads in the direction of the ball and stops the play. It’s simple, but beautiful to watch on tape.

If Pace wants to lock down his inside linebackers, he’ll take Smith and will have smashed one out of the park with this pick. Getting the best cover linebacker in the draft would be a huge victory.