The Chicago Bears made cornerback their first pick of the Ryan Poles era last year. Kyler Gordon had an up-and-down rookie season, but he finished strong with three interceptions. That said, the defense remains thin at the position outside of him and Jaylon Johnson. The fact Johnson also has only one year left on his contract suggests GM Ryan Poles will be active in this draft trying to find more cornerback help. Maybe somebody considered the second coming of Pro Bowler James Bradberry might be nice.
One name that seems to have their attention is Tyrique Stevenson. According to Aaron Wilson of Click 2 Houston, the Bears are among several teams that have met with the Miami cornerback. It isn’t hard to see the appeal. Stevenson is 6’0, 198 lbs, and has arms over 32 inches long. The Bears always talk about size and length for this team. He fits the bill. On top of that, 4.45 speed and a 38.5-inch vertical. So he’s an athlete. He had three interceptions over the past two seasons and is best known for his smothering press coverage.
James Bradberry faced similar questions.
The irony is he had issues in press coverage while Stevenson struggles in zone. Their physical profiles are almost identical. Bradberry went late in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft. It’s a safe assumption that is where Stevenson will likely go. This is great news for the Bears since they have two picks (the 53rd and 61st) in that range. They’ve also had good fortune taking players from Miami in recent years. Devin Hester became the all-time return king. Greg Olsen was a Pro Bowl tight end. Pat O’Donnell started several seasons as a punter, while Deon Bush became a special teams mainstay.
That program has always produced great athletes. Stevenson is no exception. The Bears could get so much out of him if he learns to master his technique and plays with better instincts. James Bradberry made the transition and went on to a Pro Bowl in New York before helping Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl last season. That aside, it would be a surprise if Poles doesn’t add another corner at some point in this draft. Stevenson fits the type they are looking for.
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What Joe said. +1
Hard Pass
Like the athleticism but this guy struggles in zone coverage. Not a fit. The Flus D is predominantly zone across the secondary and rally to the football. Guys with ball tracking skills and length plus zone awareness and good tackling are the best fits.
It seems to me; Poles has a plan. A plan that could go 2 ways. 1) Concentrate early on 1 side of the ball to maximize it talent wise (taking a CB early). Or, does he try covering all the holes on both sides with talent that will need replaced eventually, if not sooner? I can wait 1 more year. I would like to see him concentrate on players who will last as “one of the best” into the future.