Chicago Bears: Roquan Smith has Butkus Award history on his side
If the last of recent Butkus Awards winners has any say in the career of Roquan Smith, he is going to be a worthy pick
We all know that college football and the NFL are two completely different beasts. This is why we have “the Heisman curse” and why stats do not always quite translate in the same manner.
However, if recent history is any indication, winning the Butkus award is usually a good sign. The award goes to the nations top linebacker in the country. In 2018, that just so happened to be Roquan Smith.
Here is a list of recent winners
2016- Reuben Foster
2015- Jaylon Smith
2014- Eric Kendricks
2013- C.J. Mosley
2012- Manti Te’o
2011- Luke Kuechly
2010- Von Miller
2009- Rolando McClain
2008- Aaron Curry
2007- James Laurinitis
2006- Patrick Willis
2005- Paul Posluzny
2004- Derrick Johnson
Wow, right? Yes there is Manti Te’o, and Curry turned into a major bust. McClain was a miss mainly due to off-field as well. Still, Kuechly, Miller, Willis, Johnson, Mosley and Kendricks. You have to like the start of the career for Foster now that he is clear off of the field and who knows where Jaylon Smith can get with his injury status.
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On top of that Te’o is actually a starter, while not a good one. The hit rate of this award is extremely high when you factor in the circumstances of the three misses since 2004.
The fact of the matter is that since 2004, the Butkus award has essentially been a guide to a safe bet at linebacker. Roquan Smith is now added to this list, and now has history on his side to be a successful linebacker.