The discussions around the Chicago Bears' 1st round plans in next month's NFL draft have settled into a familiar rhythm. Most expect GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson's decision to boil down to a short list of key positions: running back, left tackle, pass rusher, and tight end. The board suggests those will be their best options with the 10th overall pick. It all depends on who is available when they go on the clock. Experts remain uncertain how things will fall.
However, there is a growing undercurrent that believes one other position might be more in play than people want to believe. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune was the first to mention it last week.
"Cornerback isn’t a position I would rule out for a high draft pick. If there is a highly graded option at No. 10, and Michigan’s Will Johnson and Texas’ Jahdae Barron could be on the board, it’s at least worth a discussion because there’s no such thing as having too much talent or depth at cornerback. The Bears would need to have a significantly higher grade on a cornerback to pass on some other positions."
If this were an isolated mention, it would be interesting but not eye-opening. That has now changed. Another prominent insider, Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, became the latest to mention corner as a position to watch. He believes the Bears may feel it's more pressing a need than some realize.
"(2) Corner. It is a position simply not discussed enough on the whole of social media. The Bears have one top shelf corner. That’s it. Tyrique Stevenson is a temperamental liability. Kyler Gordon is solid, if unspectacular, in the slot. (I’ll be fascinated to see Gordon in Dennis Allen’s scheme.) The Bears don’t need corner depth. They need someone to line up opposite Jaylon Johnson every Sunday."
The Chicago Bears' decision comes down to Tyrique Stevenson.
They know Jaylon Johnson is a stud. Kyler Gordon will also likely receive a contract extension in the near future. He's developed into one of the better nickel cornerbacks in the NFL. By far, Stevenson is the biggest liability at this point. The former 2nd round pick has had flashes of brilliance over his first two seasons in Chicago. Unfortunately, that is interspersed with moments of ugliness. His Hail Mary gaffe in Washington was one of many lowlights last season. His 58.4 coverage grade was actually worse than his rookie year.
There is one ray of hope for Stevenson. He allowed just a 73.4 passer rating when targeted in man coverage. Most of his setbacks came in zone. New defensive coordinator Dennis Allen prefers utilizing lots of man coverage. Experts had said as far back as the draft that man was the best way to get the most out of Stevenson's ability. If the Chicago Bears believe this adjustment can save him, then cornerback at #10 seems unlikely. If not, get familiar with names like Will Johnson and Jahdae Barron. Both are expected to go in the top 15 next month.
