The Bears will climb five spots for a cornerback. Dealing Nos. 61 and 136 to the Jaguars in exchange for No. 56, the Bears selected Miami’s Tyrique Stevenson.
A consensus top-five cornerback in the high school class of 2019, Stevenson transferred to Miami after two years at Georgia. He dealt with a number of injuries throughout his career, including a torn labrum and surgery to shave his collarbone, but he made the most out of the time he did play, earning honorable mention All-ACC in 2021 and third-team All-ACC honors this past season.
Stevenson brings some versatility to the Bears secondary. The staff in Athens transferred him to their STAR position (a linebacker/safety hybrid). The Hurricanes put him right back at his natural position as an outside corner, and he rewarded them with three interceptions and 14 passes defensed over two years in Coral Gables. He brings a long, muscular build matched with rangy speed and agility. He can stray in coverage but excels in press-man, rerouting receivers without drawing penalties.
Stevenson should find some immediate opportunities to contribute in Chicago. Kyler Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, Kindle Vildor, and Jaylon Jones all got the most run of the cornerbacks in the Bears secondary last year. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Johnson was the best of the group, grading out as the 67th-best cornerback in the league. If Stevenson makes a strong showing in camp, he can make a run for a starting job. He should be a strong rotation candidate either way.
Like the pick. Wonder if the Bears are planning on signing Clark or Ngakoue since they haven’t drafted an Edge yet.
Anyone but Vildor.