Chicago Bears inside linebacker Roquan Smith came into this season with a chip on his shoulders following an underwhelming second season. And he’s rebounded with what’s been nothing short of a Pro Bowl, arguably All-Pro season in Year 3.
Smith is officially in the middle of his breakout season.
Through Week 10, Smith leads the league in solo tackles (70), tackles-for-loss (15) and is tied for first with 96 total tackles. He’s also added five pass breakups, and he’s been as dominant in the run game as he’s been in coverage.
Still, Smith isn’t getting the respect he deserves. Not from the folks at Pro Football Focus, who released their grades for the top five inside linebackers of 2020 and notably snubbed Smith.
Smith didn’t crack the top five, which is ludicrous in itself. But PFF ranked Smith 22nd among linebackers in the entire NFL. Seriously.
They think you’re the 22nd best linebacker LOL pic.twitter.com/dSmZ7bjgH9
— DaWindyCity Productions (@DawindycityP) November 21, 2020
PFF grades have a reputation for being controversial, as they’re subjective, but it’s insane that Smith, who is playing like one of the best in the NFL, ranks outside the top 20.
Smith received an overall grade of 65.1, including a coverage grade of 84.0, a pass rush grade of 61.2 and an abysmal 39.0 in run defense.
While Smith hasn’t been the flashiest guy — a relatively unknown name outside of Chicago — he continues to impress in every way on the football field.
“He makes plays in every game that amaze me,” said inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone. “I don’t know if it surprises me, but they amaze me. Sometimes his best plays that he makes aren’t necessarily the TFLs or the ones that are on the highlight reels.”
