Chicago Bears rookie second-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson quickly grabbed hold of first-team repetitions in offseason practices this spring and looks primed to start opposite Jaylon Johnson in his first NFL season. The former Miami product's confidence is "a little bit ahead" of that of a typical rookie, according to head coach Matt Eberflus, and it has helped solidify the team's secondary. Stevenson made a handful of plays in offseason practices, including an interception, and he impressed the coaching staff with how fast he picked up the defense. "Really excited about how in two days he's kind of figured out some of the concepts we try to teach and understand those," cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke said. The 23-year-old is extremely athletic at 6-foot and 198 pounds, and he could quickly becomes the Bears' top cornerback.
Chicago Bears rookie second-round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson should be in line to start at outside cornerback across from Jaylon Johnson in his first year in the NFL with second-year corner Kyler Gordon moving to the slot full time in 2023. "He uses his length well," cornerbacks coach and pass-game coordinator Jon Hoke said. "He's really, really instinctive. He has a way of getting his hands on a lot of footballs. He does know the game of football. It comes relatively not easy, but he does understand concepts easier than some guys do, so it's been a real plus." Rookie fifth-round corner Terell Smith has also impressed Hoke during organized team activities this week.
