Rookie cornerbacks often have a tough first year. Many believe the cornerback position is the most demanding position in the NFL. With the Chicago Bears trading up from pick 61 to draft Tyrique Stevenson at pick 56, the expectation was for Stevenson to be a starting cornerback right away, opposite All-Pro Jaylon Johnson. How did the rookie from the University of Miami perform for the Bears?
Reviewing Tyrique Stevenson’s Rookie Season
Rough Start In The NFL
The beginning of the NFL season presented various challenges for Stevenson. For starters, the Bears had to let go of their Defensive Coordinator, Alan Williams, for ‘inappropriate’ conduct, which left the Bears with no DC for the entirety of the season apart from their home opener against the Green Bay Packers.
Additionally, Stevenson was targeted early and often to begin the year. It wasn’t because Stevenson is a bad player; it’s a combination of the fact that he’s a rookie and teams did not want to throw near Johnson. Stevenson allowed nine touchdowns during the season, which was the most on the team.
Progression From Struggles To Success
As the season progressed, Stevenson grew more at ease on the defensive front, and his confidence soared. His on-field swagger became increasingly evident, accompanied by a noticeable improvement in his ability to intercept the ball.
Stevenson’s best game of the season came late against the Atlanta Falcons, where he registered two interceptions and four pass breakups. His performance earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, the first for a Bears player since Eddie Jackson in 2018. Stevenson talked about how earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week was a team effort. “I’m happy. I thank the guys, I thank the secondary, thank the D-line. I wouldn’t be who I am without the guys pushing me and going out there to bat for me on the field.”
Tyrique Stevenson's PFF grade from weeks 1-10 (48.6)
Tyrique Stevenson's PFF grade from weeks 11-18 (78.5)
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Outlook for Tyrique Stevenson
Things are shaping up for Stevenson. Head Coach Matt Eberflus acknowledges Stevenson’s assertive playing style and strong tackling abilities. Stevenson, in turn, expresses increased confidence, stating, “I think I just really settled down in my game…understanding that I’m on the field for a reason, and when I go out there just to play my game and know that the game is going to come to me.”
The following season will present new challenges for Stevenson. Assuming Johnson signs a contract extension to stay with the Bears, teams will continue the trend of not throwing Johnson’s way. Unfortunately, that means Stevenson will get targeted often despite his elevated gameplay. It’s now up to Stevenson to show teams they shouldn’t throw his direction either.
Tyrique Stevenson Rookie Season Grade: B+
Stevenson turned things around towards the end of the season. Stevenson ended up only missing one game this season against the Minnesota Vikings. His final season stats were 86 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles, and 16 pass breakups.
Stevenson’s remarkable turnaround has instilled a fire in the cornerback room. Kyler Gordon and Terell Smith have also elevated their game this year, which makes Chicago’s cornerback room one of the best in the NFL. Stevenson heads into his sophomore season with confidence that he has what it takes to be a premier NFL cornerback.
Main Image: Tork Mason / USA TODAY NETWORK
