Terell Smith is among highest graded rookie CBs after 5 weeks
The Chicago Bears secondary might have discovered one of the 2023 NFL Draft's biggest steals this season. After 5 weeks, cornerback Terell Smith is the among the highest graded rookie cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. The latest rise in the rankings came after Smith's massive game last Thursday against the Washington […]
The Chicago Bears secondary might have discovered one of the 2023 NFL Draft's biggest steals this season.
After 5 weeks, cornerback Terell Smith is the among the highest graded rookie cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
The latest rise in the rankings came after Smith's massive game last Thursday against the Washington Commanders, as the rookie served an integral role in the team securing their first win of the season.
Against the Commanders, Smith was certainly up to the challenge lining up across from the team's top wide receiver duo. Smith was targeted 5 times in the win and allowed only 28 yards, while adding six total tackles.
Smith even made a play reminiscent of a former Bears legend, Charles Tillman, in the third quarter.
After allowing a touchdown on the first drive of the second-half, the Bears needed to find a way to get the momentum back on their side. Smith stepped up to make the play by forcing the ball free from tight end Logan Thomas, after an eight yard completion, and recovered the fumble.
The Bears fifth-round selection ended the game with a career-high 75.9 coverage grade, per PFF, and the performance raised his overall PFF grade on the season to a 70.6.
Smith now ranks fourth among rookie cornerbacks and only trails Seahawks first-round pick Devon Witherspoon (79.7), Lions second-round pick Brian Branch (79.7), and Patriots injured first-round pick Christian Gonzalez (80.8).
Smith has even lived up to what it means to be a Bears defender. The rookie has been ferocious the run game, an area in which he's also been recognized among the league's best. Smith is the highest graded rookie cornerback and third highest graded overall cornerback in run defense with a 90.5 PFF grade.
The 165th selection out of Minnesota has been a surprise for the Bears since stepping in as one of the team's starting cornerbacks due to numerous injuries. His play on the field has certainly given the coaching staff something to keep in mind as some key defenders start to return to the lineup.
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