Seems A Buzz Is Growing Around Forgotten Chicago Bears Draft Pick

The Chicago Bears' defense looked like an elite unit in Friday's joint practice with the Miami Dolphins. They were on top of everything, delivering big hits and forcing turnovers. Mind you, all of it wasn't because of the starters. Sure, they led the charge, but a considerable contribution came from the backups. According to Adam Jahns of CHGO and other beat writers, the name not being mentioned enough is Terell Smith. Most kind of forgot about the young cornerback, a 5th round pick in 2023.

This is mainly because Tyrique Stevenson went in the same draft. While he's garnered the headlines, Smith has served as an able reserve who has stepped up whenever asked. It seems he has taken things up another notch over the past couple of weeks.

Cornerback Terell Smith played with and against reserves but he made several plays. It started with punching the ball out of tight end Erik Erukanma’s grasp to force an incompletion over the middle of the field. Smith also picked off backup quarterback Zach Wilson in the same team period. In the end-of-half situational period, Smith broke up a pass to Erukanma in the end zone.

“Smitty is a ballplayer,” Byard said. “He almost caught an interception in the red zone, which was a good play. Like I said, Smitty is a ballplayer. I know he’s been kind of a depth piece but Smitty is a starter in this league, you know, 100 percent. He’s always been playing big-time ball ever since I have been here. He’s just waiting in the wings, waiting for his shot.”

This is great news for the Bears.

They were already in great shape at cornerback with Jaylon Johnson, Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon. Now, it appears Smith and veteran Nahshon Wright have stood out daily. Keep in mind that this is without 5th round rookie Zah Frazier participating at all due to ongoing personal issues.

The Chicago Bears are clearly getting a motivated Smith.

Understandably so. This season is the most important of his young career. In year three, teams often assess which players are in line for extensions. The Chicago Bears already did so for Kyler Gordon. It looked like Jaquan Brisker was destined for the same before he missed the rest of the season with a concussion. This year, Stevenson, Gervon Dexter, Darnell Wright, and Smith will all be pushing for that big second contract. In Smith's case, he is likely auditioning for other teams. Presuming the Bears prioritize Stevenson for a new deal, he will have to focus on free agency in 2027. A big season this year would be a critical step towards improving his stock. Chicago would love nothing better than for him to thrive. It only means the defense will be that much better.