Bears rookie now knows what he must do in order to win starting job
The Chicago Bears hope to have found a Day 1 starter in 2023 second-round pick CB Tyrique Stevenson. The Miami product has many qualities that translate to the NFL level, but starting jobs are earned in this league. Although the Bears ranked dead last in pass defense just a season ago, Stevenson must rely on […]
The Chicago Bears hope to have found a Day 1 starter in 2023 second-round pick CB Tyrique Stevenson. The Miami product has many qualities that translate to the NFL level, but starting jobs are earned in this league.
Although the Bears ranked dead last in pass defense just a season ago, Stevenson must rely on his ball skills and physicality in order to lock up the starting job across from Jaylon Johnson.
Defensive coordinator Alan Williams spoke briefly on Wednesday about what Stevenson must show the coaching staff in order to jump into the starting unit.
“Make plays,” Williams answered bluntly. “Make plays, don't give up big plays, understand the defense, communicate, and I would say with that the list can go on . All of the above. Right now, I don't put any credence into who you see going there first. Right now, it's a rep chart, not a depth chart. So they're just they're getting reps.”
Williams and the Bears defensive staff will evaluate Stevenson’s readiness through his full body of work this offseason before making a decision. There is an acclimation period with every rookie around the league, so it shouldn’t be alarming to see Stevenson getting some work with Chicago’s second-team defense.
It’s impossible to have too many talented cornerbacks in today’s pass-happy NFL. If Stevenson can be brought up to speed, the Bears would be able to kick Kyler Gordon to the nickel position leaving Chicago with talent scattered across the secondary.
Stevenson’s development should be fun to watch for Bears fans. All signs point to the rookie making an instant impact when the regular season rolls around. He’ll have his first opportunity to put his stamp on the NFL’s oldest rivalry when Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers come to town in Week 1.
Featured image via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
