ESPN ranks the top linebackers in the NFL
ESPN polled NFL executives, players, and coaches on the best off-ball linebackers. Bears linebacker Roquan Smith was ranked 5th on the list behind some of the league's best.
Roquan Smith is, most likely, the best player currently on the Chicago Bears roster. Ever since he got into the NFL, Smith has been one of the league's best linebackers. He can stop the run very nicely and he excels in pass coverage as well. However, his best attribute is his ability to fly to the football and cover a lot of ground with his insane speed and athleticism.
Roquan is in the midst of contract negotiations as he's coming off back-to-back all-pro second-team nominations. He may very well be the highest-paid player at his position when he signs his new deal. For example, Darius Leonard's five-year contract extension fell just short of the $100 million mark over five years. With Roquan's tremendous play on the field and his young age, we could see a deal very similar to Leonard's.
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