There were times over Roquan Smith’s first two years with the Bears when they weren’t sure exactly where his career was headed. They should know by now.
He is next in the franchise’s succession of great inside linebackers, and is the prototype every team wants: A cerebral, every-down player who can ruin everything for an opposing defense. He has elite strength and speed at the position, and he has the mind to decipher what opposing offenses want to do before they snap the ball.
Bears coach Matt Nagy is getting a clear view of Smith’s value as he sees firsthand how difficult it is trying to run the offense when he’s on the field.