The Chicago Bears will continue their efforts in upgrading the offense this spring. Quarterback, wide receiver, and center feel like three areas that will get primary attention. As for the defense, expectations are high. The unit finished last season as one of the NFL's fastest-ascending units. Montez Sweat's arrival via trade was a catalyst for everything turning around. That and head coach Matt Eberflus taking over defensive play calling duties. However, none of it would've happened without the contributions of several new arrivals.
T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds completely turned around the linebacking corps. DeMarcus Walker brought more energy and bite to the defensive line. Perhaps the most encouraging development was the rapid improvement of two Bears draft picks. Gervon Dexter went from a seldom-noticed defensive tackle in the first half of 2023 to a true menace as an interior pass rusher. The even bigger surprise was cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who came out of nowhere to lead the team in interceptions.
He was so good that ESPN analyst Matt Bowen picked him as the breakout player for 2024.
"Bowen: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Bears. Stevenson had four interceptions and 11 pass breakups in his rookie season. He was an easy fit in Matt Eberflus' defense and has the physical play style and ball skills to produce breakout numbers in 2024."
Tyrique Stevenson is a highlight of an impressive draft class.
GM Ryan Poles has only ever traded up in a draft once in his career to this point. That was last year when he moved up in the 2nd round to grab Stevenson. It is becoming easier to see why. His mixture of size, athleticism, and ball skills form the makings of a truly exceptional cornerback. It doesn't hurt that he plays the game with a fiery temperament. The guy has a chip on his shoulder the size of a mountain. If he keeps channeling that into his game, the Bears have themselves another high-quality corner.
His ascent, coupled with the blossoming of Jaylon Johnson into one of the NFL's best could make the Chicago Bears defense one nobody wants to play. Plenty of good defenses have a great cornerback. Only the best ones have two. It can be made even better if Poles happens to find another pass rusher to help complement Sweat. A dynamic pass rush would make Bowen's prediction about Stevenson more than possible. Cornerbacks are always at their most dangerous when the opposing QB is under constant pressure.
