Chicago Bears 20 Most Important Players: #13 Tyrique Stevenson

We continue profiling the 20 most important Chicago Bears players for 2023. Next up is rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.

We continue to profile the 20 most important Chicago Bears players in 2023. You can see the previous profiles by pressing here.

Next up is #13, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Stevenson might just be a rookie but he plays an integral part of the secondary. He could be the player who settles the unit and gives the Bears’ defense a great trio for years to come.

Stevenson was one of two second-round picks for the Bears. General manager Ryan Poles traded up to select Stevenson when he saw he was still available. It was the second straight draft in which he used a second-round selection on a cornerback. He selected Kyler Gordon in the second round of the 2022 draft.

With Stevenson, Gordon, and Jaylon Johnson, the Bears now have three young, tall, athletic, and physical corners. They each are at least 6 feet tall and weigh at least 200 pounds.

Stevenson is critical to the unit because he is listed as an outside cornerback. The Bears tried Gordon there early last season but he struggled some. When the coaches moved him to the slot, he looked better.

Stevenson has the ability to play on the outside. He has the speed to keep up with most receivers and the physicality to harass those receivers on their routes. Additionally, he has the instinct to anticipate the quarterback’s move and jump the pass. When the ball is up, he can outmuscle the receiver and snatch the pass.

Having Stevenson on the outside allows Gordon to concentrate solely on the slot. He can blitz from there and pressure the quarterback. As everyone keeps saying ad nauseam, the Chicago Bears struggled to get to the quarterback. If they can get more pressure in any way it will benefit the defense.

Having Stevenson also moves Kindle Vildor to backup. Vildor was a starter but he had his own struggles. Now he can be more comfortable playing in a backup role and give the Bears great depth.

Depth is the key to the Chicago Bears’ strength. The Bears also have second-year player Justin Jones and another rookie, Terell Smith, as backups. Smith could be a diamond found in the fifth round. That could give the Bears an outstanding unit. A few seasons ago it was a unit in shambles. Now it looks to be a strength.

In addition to that, having Stevenson helps Johnson. With the struggles of the other cornerbacks, opposing quarterbacks decided to not target Johnson as much. If Stevenson does his job, he’ll lock down his receiver and Gordon his. That means Johnson will be targeted more. He’ll finally have more opportunities to make plays. He had those opportunities in his rookie season and he had some big pass breakups.

Stevenson is a physical force

What the Bears like about Stevenson is his physicality. He is a throwback to the old Chicago Bears’ tough defenders who beat up their opponents. When you go up against Stevenson you know you’ll be in a battle for the entire game. His motor is high and he enjoys playing tough.

That is what impresses head coach Matt Eberflus. When he was the defensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts his defenses were tough. His defenses were among the NFL leaders in turnovers forced. He wants the same defense in Chicago and he sees Stevenson as the tough guy the secondary needs.

We love where he is in terms of his length, his competitiveness and we know he tackles. We know he likes to hit. That’s why he’s here. Corners need to tackle. They need to really be a physical force out there and he’s gonna do that.

Stevenson is sure to quickly become a fan favorite. Chicago Bears fans are fond of the Monsters of the Midway defense and Stevenson will help bring that attitude back.