25 best NFL players under 25 years old

19. Roquan Smith

Smith is a young inside linebacker who’s quickly become a tackling machine for the Bears’ defense. He possesses exceptional speed and explosiveness from the position that allows him to be a true sideline-to-sideline playmaker at the second level.

Similar to Devin White, Smith would be higher on this list if he could produce more quarterback pressure. That’s a part of what the Bears ask him to do but mainly they count on him to clean up the mess left behind their talented defensive line.

Where Smith separates himself from his peers is with his ability to make plays in coverage as well. He’s a legitimate problem for opposing quarterbacks who are looking to make quick throws against the Chicago blitz. That’s where Smith can breakly quickly on the football to become a turnover machine for his defense.

Smith may already be fully formed as a player, but the Bears don’t need him to make any significant improvements. He’s already a star for their defense and comfortably slots in as a Pro Bowl presence in their linebacking corps for years to come.