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Chicago Bears 2018 Off-Season: The Best, Worst and Most Puzzling

By Erik Lambert

BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 20: Anthony Miller #3 of the Memphis Tigers catches a touchdown pass during the second half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images)
BOCA RATON, FL - DECEMBER 20: Anthony Miller #3 of the Memphis Tigers catches a touchdown pass during the second half of the game against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers at FAU Stadium on December 20, 2016 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Rob Foldy/Getty Images) /
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THE DRAFT

Best move:  Roquan Smith

Often the best picks in a draft are the ones you don’t overthink. Everything on film and on paper said the Georgia inside linebacker Roquan Smith was a stud. He’s thick but fast with great range, instinct, and tenacity. He takes no plays off and elevates his game the better opponent he plays against. He is 100% an upgrade over Christian Jones and Nick Kwiatkoski and could become the leader of that defense for the next decade.

Worst move:  Not getting pass rusher until the 6th round

Yes, admittedly the 2018 class wasn’t very giving in the talent department at edge rusher. Still, the Bears’ situation warranted greater attention than one 6th round pick who has a history of injury problems. No disrespect to Kylie Fitts but it feels like he was a conciliatory choice rather than a true attempt by the Pace to get help for the position. Right now Leonard Floyd and Aaron Murray are the projected starters with questionable depth behind them.

Puzzling move:  Joel Iyiegbuniwe

There was some serious confusion when this pick was made. Nobody knew who he was, for the most part, coming from Western Kentucky. What added to matters was he played inside linebacker, a position the Bears just got done addressing with Smith a few rounds earlier. Higher rated players like Josh Sweat (EDGE) and Anthony Averett (CB) went shortly after this pick and both arguably would’ve filled bigger needs.

Next: Chicago Bears: The 2018 NFL Draft Report Card

Sleeper move:  Anthony Miller

Giving up a 2nd round pick next year was a high price, but clearly the Bears felt they were getting someone special by grabbing Anthony Miller. The reaction by experts around the league reflects that much. Watching Miller on tape, it’s hard not to get excited. What he lacks in height and speed, he makes up with quickness, agility, precision route running and spirit. Playing between Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel on the boundaries could create nightmares for defenses.

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