The Chicago Bears must build around these eight players in 2022

Chicago Bears Player to Build Around No. 7: Roquan Smith

The second young stud that needs to be built around on the defense is obviously Roquan Smith. In nine games, Roquan Smith already has 93 combined tackles. If we extrapolate that out for a full season, he is on pace for 165 combined tackles had the season remained at only 16 games. Smith is averaging 10.3 combined tackles per game and is truly on pace for 175 combined tackles this season since the league added that 17th game.

Smith’s 93 combined tackles are fourth in the league. He hasn’t stopped there though. Of those 93 tackles, six were tackles for loss and three were sacks. Smith also has an interception he returned 53 yards for a touchdown and three pass deflections.

Roquan Smith is on pace for another Pro Bowl level season. He should have been selected last season and he also should have been a First-Team All-Pro. Instead, he was snubbed from both. If Smith is not selected again this year, Chicago Bears fans just might riot. Either way, the key here is that the Bears focus on building around Smith in 2022 and beyond. This will start by extending him beyond the 2022 season.