The Chicago Bears have been the focus of lots of offseason talk, particularly because of the pieces that were added and subtracted for head coach Matt Nagy's offensive scheme.However the defense has grown to be a serious threat the last couple of seasons and new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano should be able to keep the ball rolling. All eyes are of course on Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks however it could be a sophomore who steals the show. Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report put together his breakout candidates for each team and selected Roquan Smith for Chicago who he labels as being "on the verge of an explosion". "He excelled particularly in coverage, and stood out in that area late in the season (his sole interception and three of his five passes deflected came in December), as well as in Chicago's playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles," Gagnon wrote. "But he also quietly recorded more sacks (five) than [Leonard] Floyd (four), despite the fact the latter rushed the passer significantly more often." It shouldn't be a surprise, especially since Smith should participate in training camp this year after holding out last year because of stipulations in his rookie contract followed by a knee injury keeping him off the field during preseason. Do you expect Smith to have a standout season?
