LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears coach Matt Eberflus has often noted that he won’t be shy about using young players in key roles, and that’s certainly the case with rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
A second-round pick of the Bears in the NFL Draft in late April, Stevenson was selected to immediately fill a void. Eberflus and his staff have quickly trusted Stevenson in a starting role during the offseason program, giving him a vote of confidence that he’s ready to run with the first-team defense.
"We love where he is in terms of his length, his competitiveness and we know he tackles,” Eberflus said. “We know he likes to hit.
“I think he’ll take even a step up more when we get the pads on.”
Believing in his makeup as a player and a person, the Bears traded up five spots, from No. 61 to No. 56 overall, in the second round to make sure Stevenson was still on the board. Once a prized prospect at Georgia, Stevenson transferred to Miami in early 2021. It was a decision that paid dividends and informed his perspective as he entered the NFL.
Since releasing Kyle Fuller in March 2021, the Bears have failed to solidify their cornerback position opposite of Jaylon Johnson. Kindle Vildor struggled when he stepped into a starting role, and Artie Burns didn’t produce as hoped two years ago. Jaylon Jones played well as an undrafted rookie in 2022, but general manager Ryan Poles and the front office still understood the need at cornerback.
Stevenson has made a strong impression on the Bears since being thrust into his starting role.
“You see it from Day 1, the type of guy he is,” Bears safety Eddie Jackson said. “He just kind of reminds me of (Jaquan) Brisker. The mindset, he’s coming out there, young guy, don’t care. Years in the league, that doesn’t matter. He just wants to go out there and ball and play. Right now, he’s stepping up to the plate. He’s accepting the challenge.
“It’s going to all pay off in the end. He’s locked in. He’s listening, keeping his head down, asking the right questions. He’s doing his job and making plays. That’s what you want to see from a young guy like that.
“Guys just want to come in and be able to make plays for this team.”
Eberflus’ willingness play rookies was on display during the Bears' offseason program. Darnell Wright, the No. 10 overall pick, stepped in from the first day of OTAs at right tackle on the starting offensive line. Gervon Dexter Sr. (second-round pick) and Zacch Pickens (third-round pick) are prepared to rotate up front on the defensive line. Running back Roschon Johnson (fourth-round pick) and receiver Tyler Scott (fourth round) should also factor in on the offense.
Stevenson has fit the mold of what the Bears want to see in a starting cornerback, and Eberflus is confident in what’s to come for him.
“It seems more like a veteran to me than it does a rookie, which is kind of cool to be able to watch that," Eberflus said. "And he's very confident.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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