Roquan Smith NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Chicago Bears' Pick

POSITIVES

—Instinctive, rangy linebacker prospect with speed to dominate outside the hashes.

—Excellent work ethic and considered a leader of the Georgia program. Ideal captain of the defense.

—He'll leave running backs sore with powerful, consistent tackling. Shows the ability to wrap up and not let runners slip.

—Has the speed and hips to play in coverage against tight ends or backs. His timing and instincts in coverage are special.

—True three-down impact at linebacker with excellent speed, instincts and timing.

—Has the agility of a running back and can start, stop, accelerate and flip his hips.

NEGATIVES

—Added weight to his frame for the combine but is still undersized by NFL standards (6'1", 236 lbs).

—Struggled at times against power-run teams (Oklahoma, Alabama) and failed to show up early in those games.

—If he gets behind the play in the run game, he'll get swallowed by blockers.

—Could better learn to stack and shed blockers.

Roquan Smith LB NFL Draft

OVERALL

Roquan Smith is the ideal 4-3 Mike linebacker with speed and instincts but could also end up as a weak-side linebacker where he's free to make plays in space. He's been compared by some scouts to Ray Lewis or NaVorro Bowman, which speaks to his excellent overall ability.

GRADE: 7.10 (Round 1)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers