The defensive standout for the Chicago Bears tops Pro Football Focus’ 2024 Top 101 Players.

As the 2024 NFL season wraps up, the Chicago Bears have emerged with a standout player who has drawn the attention of Pro Football Focus (PFF) analysts and football fans alike. This player, widely regarded as the defensive centerpiece of the team, has taken his game to a level that not only helped the Bears to a stronger defensive unit but also earned him the distinction of topping PFF’s coveted list of the Top 101 Players of 2024. This is no small feat, and his performance represents the culmination of years of hard work, progression, and an undeniable passion for the game.

While the Bears have had periods of strong defensive performances over the years, the defensive player who took the crown in 2024 is someone who is a true force on the field. His ability to control the game, both individually and as part of a cohesive unit, has made him one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. In this article, we will explore who this player is, how he managed to ascend to the top of PFF’s rankings, the impact of his play on the Bears’ defense, and what his future might hold.

1. The Player in Question: A Dominant Force

When we talk about the top defensive player for the Chicago Bears in 2024, we are talking about none other than Roquan Smith, the Bears’ middle linebacker. Known for his leadership, football IQ, sideline-to-sideline speed, and tackling prowess, Smith has taken his game to new heights in 2024, cementing his place as the most dominant defensive player in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Smith has been one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL for years now, but the 2024 season was truly a breakthrough year for him. After being traded to the Bears from the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, his arrival was anticipated to boost the team’s defense. However, it was not until 2024 that he truly became a household name. With an eye-popping combination of athleticism, instincts, and leadership, Smith was the heart and soul of the Bears’ defense throughout the season.

2. Roquan Smith’s 2024 Campaign: A Historic Season

What made Smith’s 2024 season so exceptional? To begin with, his ability to rack up statistics was astonishing. Smith finished the season with over 150 tackles, a staggering number for a linebacker in today’s NFL, where passing dominates. His instincts, awareness, and ability to be around the ball on nearly every play made him a fixture in opposing offensive schemes. Whether it was against the run, where he stuffed ball carriers in their tracks, or in pass coverage, where he consistently covered tight ends, running backs, and even some wide receivers, Smith was everywhere.

But it wasn’t just the tackle numbers that stood out. Smith’s pass-rush productivity took a quantum leap forward in 2024. His ability to generate pressure on the quarterback was unprecedented for an inside linebacker. This added dimension to his game allowed him to be a game-changer in multiple facets. His three sacks, six QB hits, and constant disruption in the backfield made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, as quarterbacks were forced to account for his presence at all times.

Another key factor in Smith’s ranking was his pass coverage. While linebackers are traditionally known for their prowess in stopping the run, Smith was a major factor in coverage as well. Whether dropping into zones or manning up against athletic running backs and tight ends, Smith showed an incredible ability to disrupt passing lanes. He tallied four interceptions in 2024, including two returned for touchdowns, and added ten pass breakups, showcasing his ability to read the quarterback and anticipate throws. In a league where quarterbacks and passing offenses dominate, a linebacker who can cover the field like a safety while still making plays near the line of scrimmage is invaluable.

Moreover, Smith’s leadership on and off the field was a crucial element of his performance. As a captain of the Bears’ defense, he had the respect of his teammates and was integral in keeping the unit cohesive. His passion and communication on the field allowed the Bears’ defense to operate with an unmatched level of organization and trust. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams could count on Smith to rally the troops and adjust the defense based on what the offense presented, making Smith not only a standout player but also the heart of the defense.

3. Impact on the Bears’ Defense

Smith’s ability to impact the game went beyond just his individual statistics. His play catalyzed the entire defense, transforming a solid but unspectacular unit into one of the league’s most fearsome. Throughout 2024, the Bears’ defense became known for its stinginess in both the run and the pass game. Smith’s presence allowed defensive ends like Travis Gibson and Dominique Robinson to focus on their pass-rush responsibilities while knowing that Smith would always be in position to clean up runs or coverage breakdowns.

With Smith in the middle, the Bears’ defense became significantly more aggressive and disruptive. He was often the player who dictated the pace, getting tackles for loss, forcing turnovers, and getting after the quarterback. It was no surprise that the Bears finished the 2024 season ranked in the top 5 in total defense and top 3 in turnover differential, with Smith playing a huge role in each of those categories.

Additionally, his consistent ability to stop the run provided the Bears with an advantage in games where opponents sought to establish a ground game. By shutting down running backs and forcing offenses to become one-dimensional, Smith allowed the Bears’ defensive line to pin their ears back and hunt quarterbacks, further enhancing the pressure on opposing offenses.

4. PFF’s Grading System and Why Smith Ranked No. 1

Pro Football Focus uses a combination of advanced statistics and game tape analysis to grade players in various areas. For linebackers, these metrics include their coverage grades, run-defense grades, tackling efficiency, pass-rush productivity, and overall impact on the game. In 2024, Roquan Smith earned elite grades across nearly all of these categories.

• Coverage Grade: Smith’s ability to cover the field and defend passes was unparalleled. As mentioned, his four interceptions and ten pass breakups stood out. His ability to not just tackle but disrupt the passing game earned him a top-tier coverage grade.
• Run Defense Grade: Smith’s tackling efficiency and ability to diagnose plays before they unfolded gave him one of the highest run-defense grades in the league. His ability to both fill gaps and scrape to the outside to make tackles was outstanding.
• Pass Rush Productivity: Smith’s rare combination of speed, vision, and strength made him a nightmare as a pass rusher. His sack total and constant pressure on the quarterback contributed to the Bears’ defense’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
• Overall Impact: As a middle linebacker, Smith controlled the flow of the game. His ability to consistently make plays when the Bears needed it most was invaluable. Smith’s leadership on the field, along with his rare ability to impact every phase of the game, made him the top-ranked defensive player in the NFL according to PFF’s evaluation.

5. What This Means for the Bears Moving Forward

Roquan Smith’s emergence as the top player in PFF’s Top 101 list is a game-changer for the Chicago Bears. It validates their decision to commit to Smith as their defensive centerpiece. As the foundation of their defense, Smith gives the Bears a cornerstone player to build around for the future.

With Smith leading the way, the Bears now have a defensive unit that can truly compete with the best in the NFL. His ability to control both the line of scrimmage and the passing game allows the Bears to focus on building around him, knowing they have a player who can consistently deliver at the highest level. The front office will likely make additional moves in the offseason to bolster the defense further, but with Smith in the middle, they have a piece that can help make them a perennial contender.

In terms of leadership, Smith’s influence on the locker room and his ability to inspire his teammates is invaluable. The Bears’ defense will likely continue to play at a high level, and the team’s success in 2025 and beyond will be largely dependent on how well the front office can surround Smith with complementary talent.

6. Looking Ahead: Smith’s Legacy

As Roquan Smith continues to perform at this elite level, it is clear that his legacy will extend far beyond the 2024 season. Should he continue this trajectory, Smith has the potential to be remembered as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. His versatility, consistency, and leadership make him a once-in-a-generation player, and his ability to elevate the entire defense around him will be remembered as a pivotal turning point in the Bears’ resurgence.