Chicago Bears: Updated depth chart after selecting Roquan Smith

After the Chicago Bears took Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith at no. 8 overall, their linebacker depth chart looks a bit different.

The Chicago Bears got their man in Roquan Smith out of Georgia. The best linebacker in the country in 2017 comes to the Bears in a great situation. Smith is a speed demon at inside backer who can both drop into coverage and stuff the run.

The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Butkus Award winner brings a physical, athletic and committed attitude to this defense. He can do it all, which is why he was ranked as Pro Football Focus’ top linebacker in the draft.

How good will Smith be in Chicago? While nothing is ever guaranteed, my bet is that he ends up as the team’s leader right away — both vocally and in his play.

I couldn’t agree more with Mr. Tidwell and his above sentiment. Smith could easily come in and lead the Bears in tackles right away — after all, he registered 137 total tackles last season at Georgia.

After the Smith pick, I wanted to take a quick look at how the Bears’ depth chart looks at linebacker — and hopefully it will change again real soon.

Outside Linebacker

The Bears have one locked-and-loaded starter at outside linebacker, and that’s Leonard Floyd. Opposite of him, you’ll likely see former San Francisco 49ers pass rusher and newly-signed Aaron Lynch.

Floyd will be backed up by veteran Sam Acho, who was re-signed this offseason. Lynch will be backed up by Howard Jones, a 28-year-old journeyman linebacker who the Bears would likely use in an emergency situation — if he makes the roster.

Inside Linebacker

On the inside, you’ll see Smith alongside Danny Trevathan. That should be one heck of a combination in the middle for years to come, barring any injuries. Behind Trevathan is veteran John Timu. Behind Smith will be third-year linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.

Timu was brought back this year because he did show some flashes when he saw time due to injuries to starters over the last couple of years. Kwiatkoski is actually going to be a luxury as a backup, as I think he may have been ready to step in and start if he had to.

How does it look?

LOLB: Aaron Lynch, Howard Jones

LILB: Roquan Smith, Nick Kwiatkoski

RILB: Danny Trevathan, John Timu

ROLB: Leonard Floyd, Sam Acho

The Bears are not done at linebacker just yet. Look for them to snag another one over the weekend, if not two more. Also, don’t forget that they have a larger amount of cap room than most at this point and could very well be in play for a veteran cut over the summer.

Pace nailed the pick with Smith for several reasons, but best of all, it fills a need. After going offense-heavy in free agency, Pace made a smart decision by addressing the defense in the first round.