Bowen sees Bears having NFL's top rookie class - ChicagoBears.com

ESPN.com writer Matt Bowen, a former NFL safety, predicts that the Bears will have the most impactful rookie class in the league this season.

The Bears' rookie class will be led by seven draft picks: Georgia linebacker Roquan Smith in Round 1; Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels and Memphis receiver Anthony Miller in Round 2; Western Kentucky inside linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe in Round 4; Delaware defensive end Bilal Nichols in Round 5; Utah outside linebacker Kylie Fitts in Round 6; and Georgia receiver Javon Wims in Round 7.

"It starts with linebacker Roquan Smith," wrote Bowen, who appeared in 77 NFL games with the Rams, Packers, Redskins and Bills from 2000-06. "He's a blue-chip talent with the speed and natural instincts to find the ball. Great fit for Vic Fangio's defense. Up front, Iowa center/guard James Daniels has the athleticism and pro-ready technique to compete for a starting job. And wide receiver Anthony Miller should find a role as a slot target for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The quicks are there and so is the playmaking ability."

The Bears are expected to announce the addition of several undrafted rookie free agents later this week in advance of their rookie minicamp Friday through Sunday at Halas Hall.

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