Chicago Bears: The top 10 most important players of 2021

Most important Chicago Bears of 2021: Roquan Smith

One of the biggest All Pro snubs of 2020 has to be Bears linebacker Roquan Smith. He is likely entering 2021 with a chip on his shoulder. If 2020 wasn’t enough to earn him All Pro nods, look for him to be that much more aggressive this coming year.

Smith is one of the best young players in this game, and one of the most important players on this roster, especially when it comes to the run game and short passing game. His speed is elite for his position. Being able to get from sideline to sideline as quick as he can is such an asset to this defense. We’ve seen recently just how much of a step back this defense takes when Smith isn’t on the field.

Danny Trevathan is aging and losing a step each year as we’ve noticed. Behind he and Smith, there isn’t anyone nearly as reliable. Smith staying on the field and playing like he has something to prove is going to be the difference between the Bears being an OK defense against the run and a great run defense.

Going back to the short passing game, Smith will be especially important in a division with two young, up-and-coming tight ends like T.J. Hockensen and Irv Smith Jr. Both of those guys are now looking like they could be top-10 tight ends, and against the Bears, it’ll be mostly on Smith and the safeties to keep them under wraps.