Chicago Bears Rookie Listed Among Biggest Steals This Season

Not many things have gone right for the Chicago Bears this season. The team is 1-5. Their starting quarterback is out with a dislocated thumb. His backup, an undrafted rookie, may go into Sunday against the Raiders without three starting offensive linemen. The defense still can't rush the passer. Oh, and the coaching appears to be overmatched by the challenges they face. There isn't much good to get excited about for Bears fans lately. Their only silver lining has been the occasional flashes by the 2023 draft class.

Darnell Wright is the centerpiece thus far, looking exactly like the bookend tackle they hoped for when they took him 10th overall. However, he wasn't the name mentioned by draft expert Ryan Fowler of Bleacher Report among the biggest steals of the 2023 draft. That honor went to cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. While the numbers don't yet reflect it, the cornerback from Miami is already showing signs that he will be a serious player for this organization in the months and years to come.

"Tyrique Stevenson has flashed in abundance through six weeks.

Life on the outside is tough for any corner in football, but as a first-year player adjusting to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses, it takes on a whole new meaning.

For Stevenson, his experience at both safety and corner has allowed him to thrive quickly. A transfer to Miami from Georgia in school, his comfort in space has showcased itself often within a youth-infused Bears secondary.

The second-most targeted rookie corner in football thus far in the campaign, not everything has been pretty for the 6'0'' aerial stalwart, but early tape study spotlights a player who should remain a core piece within the Chicago secondary for some time.

Covering each units top wideout each and every week is tough sledding, but Stevenson has done about as good a job as you can do in his first six games as a pro."

The Chicago Bears have asked a lot of Stevenson.

He's started from opening day onward for the Bears, often lining up against every opponent's best receivers. It hasn't always been pretty. Quarterbacks have beaten him for four touchdowns this season. Some were caused by miscommunications in coverage. That is the drawback of playing a rookie. However, recent signs indicate he's improving. After failing to get his hands on the football once in the first four games, he has three pass breakups over the past two. His fluidity in coverage stands out, and he's demonstrated a greater feel for how receivers run their routes.

There is still learning to do. He's about to get an education from Davante Adams on Sunday. That said, the Chicago Bears should be pleased with Stevenson's progress. They know he hasn't had much help from the pass rush, making it more challenging to do his job. What is most encouraging is that he hasn't let that impact his confidence. Stevenson continues playing with the same swagger and intensity he showed during training camp and the preseason. If he keeps progressing, the Bears have themselves a potential cornerstone in the secondary.