Packers: Stealing one player from every NFC North foe
By Jesse Fry
Chicago Bears: ILB Roquan Smith
I’ll start with the Packers’ longest rival, the Bears. This was a tough one for me because the Bears currently have a few players I wouldn’t mind seeing on the Packers.
The obvious choice would be Khalil Mack. He’s a one-man wrecking crew. But with the Smiths and Rashan Gary already on the roster, the Packers have enough firepower there. Another good choice would be Akiem Hicks. With the Packers’ recent struggles against the run, Hicks would fit in perfectly alongside Kenny Clark and give the Packers a solid tandem in the middle of the defensive line.
But, the player I’d like most is Roquan Smith. At only 23 years old, Smith is entering his prime in what is already his third season in the league. The Packers have been severely lacking athleticism in the middle of their defense and have not had a player like Smith since Nick Barnett.
Smith has the sideline-to-sideline speed and range the Packers need to get this defense over the hump.
Who could forget Smith’s NFL debut against the Packers when he finished with a sack, three tackles and a tackle for a loss.
Smith battled injuries in his sophomore campaign but still showed what made him the eighth overall pick in the 2018 draft.
He could be the missing piece in what is a talented Packers defense.