Chicago Bears: Grading the defensive position groups
By Cody Young
Smith and Trevathan make up a very dangerous MLB pairing
Middle Linebackers: Danny Trevathan, Roquan Smith, Josh Woods, Joel Iyiegbuniwe
Grade: B+
The Bears have an interesting MLB situation, they have two very solid starters and you can argue two question marks behind them. Let’s start off with the backups this time. Josh Woods and Joel Iyiegbuniwe.
Both of these players are essentially special team guys. Woods spent all of 2018 on the practice squad, then in 2019, recorded five tackles on special teams. Joel Iyiegbuniwe is coming into his third year and has actually played in 31 games, primarily on special teams.
Moving onto Roquan Smith, coming into his third year after being drafted by Chicago in eighth overall in 2018. Smith is a great player and is someone who could easily be a top-five player at his position in the future.
He led the team in tackles his rookie year, while also recording five sacks, eight TFLs, and an interception. Only playing in12 games last year he still had over 100 Tackles, two sacks, and another pick.
Closing out the inside linebackers with Danny Trevathan, who is entering his ninth year in the NFL. He seems to always be battling injuries but is normally a difference-maker when he’s on the field. Coming off of a year where he only played nine games, Trevathan will be looking to stay healthy and be the reliable starter he has been known for throughout his career.