5 bold predictions for Chicago Bears in 2021

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears during the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on December 06, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Matt Nagy of the Chicago Bears during the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field on December 06, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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Bears predictions, Roquan Smith
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 09: Roquan Smith #58 of the Chicago Bears celebrates a defensive stop against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Rams 15-6. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

1. Roquan Smith will get five interceptions

Smith has a grand total of four interceptions in his first three seasons as a pro. That’s why him getting five picks this year easily meets the standard of being a bold prediction.

The fact that he’s already proven to be an effective coverage linebacker gives him a chance to drastically improve his turnover production in 2021. He just needs a few balls to bounce his way to hit the five-interception mark. Smith has all the mental and physical tools required to be a ballhawk from his linebacker position.

This prediction is also a nod to the Bears’ coaching staff dropping Smith into coverage more often this season. He’s a decent blitzer on obvious passing downs, but he can give Chicago more value in coverage. Look for his sacks to dry up while his interceptions rise as his career progresses.

Chicago Bears 7-round mock draft. dark. Next

Producing more turnovers is one way Chicago’s defense can drastically improve the team’s win total in 2021. Smith is going to do his best to contribute to that effort. It won’t be enough to get the Bears into the playoffs, but it will cement Smith’s status as one of the most complete linebackers in the NFL.