Rookie Review – 2023 Chicago Bears Draft Class

Round 2, Pick 56

Tyrique Stevenson – Cornerback, Miami

A reminder that the Bears traded up from 61 to obtain the services of the defensive back out of the University of Miami. Lauded as a physical corner who excels in man coverage, Tyrique Stevenson, like many rookie cornerbacks, struggled early in coverage. However, it is worth noting the Bears’ defense played often in zone coverage for much of the first few weeks of the season, which may have factored into his early struggles.

Now, Stevenson has garnered national attention. Recently voted as NFC Defensive Player of Week 18, the Bears rookie cornerback has racked up 4 interceptions, 15 passes defended, a forced fumble, and 79 combined tackles on the year, per Pro Football Reference.

Stevenson has provided dependability and more in the secondary alongside Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson, which is a major development for a unit that experienced woes in the season prior.

Round 3, Pick 64

Zacch Pickens – Defensive Tackle, South Carolina

Zacch Pickens was drafted to be a decent rotational piece for this Bears defensive line that had little to no depth in 2022. He’s done just as expected, although it doesn’t show on the stat sheet. Lester Wiltfong Jr. of Windy City Gridiron lists snap counts every week for the Bears and Pickens has ranged from 20-31 percent of snaps since Week 12.

Round 4, Pick 115

Roschon Johnson – Running back, Texas

“Bijan’s backup” was the mantra for the Texas product the Bears opted to select in Round 4 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite this, in his time with Chicago, Johnson has shown flashes of explosive, play-making ability and is reliable as a pass-catcher. The rookie running back has seen an increase in workload throughout the year not only because of his ability, but due to his strengths as a blocker in the backfield as well.

Round 4, Pick 133

Tyler Scott – Wide Receiver, Cincinnati

Adding blazing speed and a downfield target for Justin Fields this offseason in Tyler Scott had many excited for 2023.

Unfortunately, when the opportunity has knocked his season for the rookie wide receiver, Scott has been unable to answer. Drops have been the main concern, as his routes have been smooth and polished and separation is easily made.

There is still so much time and room for development from the young offensive weapon and fans should have faith that Scott will put it together sooner rather than later.

Round 5, Pick 148

Noah Sewell – Linebacker, Oregon

The fifth-round draft pick out of Oregon has the potential to be a quality linebacker in the National Football League. However, he’s simply buried beneath a very talented Bears linebacking corps. Noah Sewell has provided quality depth for Chicago and plays a quality role on special teams.

Round 5, Pick 165

Terell Smith – Cornerback, Minnesota

Some might say the rookie corner out of Minnesota was the hidden gem of Ryan Poles’ second draft class. Truly, Smith has battled his way into Chicago’s secondary rotation and provided quality depth and starts both regularly and in place of fellow rookie corner Tyrique Stevenson due to injury/sickness.

Smith played 78% of the snaps in the Week 17 win against Atlanta, further proving he’s become an invaluable addition to this Bears defense.

Late Round Additions

Round 7, Pick 218

Travis Bell – Defensive Tackle, Kennesaw State

Bell was signed to the Bears practice squad following the draft but did not make the active roster. He has since been signed to the Atlanta Falcons practice squad, released, and claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Round 7, Pick 258

Kendall Williamson – Safety, Stanford

Williamson was signed to the Bears practice squad following the draft and remains on the Bears practice squad.

UDFA Tyson Bagent – Quarterback, Shepherd University

The only noteworthy undrafted free agent for the Bears is Tyson Bagent. Bears fans saw the rookie in action mid-season as a result of Justin Fields’ thumb injury. Consequently, Bagent steered the ship for 4.5 games and managed a record of 2-2 in that span. For a Division 2 undrafted free agent, Bagent exceeded expectations and showed qualities fitting that of an NFL backup quarterback.

Overall, this year’s draft class shows the improvement this roster has made. Continually adding rookie talent to an improving roster will help develop a winning football team in Chicago.