Ex-Coach Reveals Why Tyrique Stevenson Pick Already Looks Brilliant

If the Chicago Bears got any pushback from the draft community two months ago for one of their picks, it was when they traded up in the 2nd round to select Tyrique Stevenson. Many felt the Bears didn't have a pressing need for a cornerback compared to other positions. They could've used a new center or a pass rusher. Not only that, but some felt Stevenson went a little earlier than he should have. GM Ryan Poles disagreed. He and head coach Matt Eberflus felt the young man had the size, speed, athleticism, and physical mentality they look for in cornerbacks for this defense.

Not only that, but Stevenson had shown significant progress during his final season with the Hurricanes. With some tweaking of his fundamentals, they feel he could become a high-end starter for the Bears. Dave Wannstedt decided to visit OTAs for a close-up look at the new draft class. The one who stood out immediately was Stevenson. He explained to 670 The Score that he was shutting guys down in drills left and right. People need to understand how important that could be to the Bears' defense, especially this system.

Tyrique Stevenson could be what the Bears were missing last year.

Jaylon Johnson was solid in coverage all season. The problem was the outside spot opposite him. Kindle Vildor was a huge disappointment. This forced them to rely on undrafted rookie Jaylon Jones or shift Kyler Gordon outside when necessary. It didn't allow Gordon to play his natural position at nickel, where the Bears always envisioned him. By fixing the other outside corner spot, it now enables Gordon to stay in one spot. If all three of their cornerbacks play at a strong level, the Bears' defense becomes so much more difficult to throw against.

It would ease the burden on their pass rush, which everybody loves to point out isn't good enough. Tyrique Stevenson holds the distinction of being the only player Poles has traded up for in the draft in his GM tenure. That should be a sign that he thinks the young cornerback has tremendous potential. It's only been a few weeks and already the 2nd rounder is meeting expectations. There will be growing pains. Even so, it's exciting to hear seasoned veterans talk about how much progress he is making.