NFL power rankings: 32-team breakdown after the 2018 NFL Draft

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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 26: Roquan Smith of Georgia poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being picked #8 overall by the Chicago Bears during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Last Rank: 19. . Chicago Bears. 17. team. 57.

Best Pick: LB Roquan Smith, Georgia

If we were basing our assessment solely on draft results, the Chicago Bears would be a lot higher in our NFL power rankings.

Especially after grabbing a playmaking linebacker in Georgia’s Roquan Smith at No. 8 overall.

Chicago is a linebacker town, so the pick makes sense and the Bears should see an immediate boost to an already-good defense. Smith is simply that kind of player, and he’ll showcase his impact on day one.

The rest of the Bears’ early picks primarily focused on offense, as did their free-agent moves — adding wide receivers Allen Robinson and Taylor Gabriel — to provide second-year quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with some more help outside running back Jordan Howard. Chicago’s offensive line got stronger by adding Iowa center James Daniels in Round 2. And the Bears’ second of two second-round picks, wide receiver Anthony Miller, all but closes the door on fellow wideout Kevin White.

Chicago should be a team to watch this season. The only thing holding the Bears back from being ranked higher in our NFL power rankings is some uncertainty about Trubisky’s development.

If he takes the next step, and these offensive additions click, the Bears could easily challenge for a playoff spot this year.