The Chicago Bears under Matt Eberflus have proven one thing. They won’t be afraid to give rookies a chance to start. That was obvious last year when Braxton Jones emerged from nowhere to become their left tackle. Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker also played immediately. So it shouldn’t be a surprise the team would embrace a similar philosophy going into 2023. It’s already a given that Darnell Wright will start at right tackle. The question after that is whether anybody else would join him. Current assumptions are that 2nd round cornerback Tyrique Stevenson is positioning himself for that honor.
However, the job isn’t his yet. Another member of his draft class is starting to challenge for the same job. Reports out of training camp indicate 5th round pick Terell Smith is getting several looks with the starting defense over the past few practices. Those who followed him at Minnesota won’t be surprised. His mixture of size, athleticism, and improving ball skills made him a headache for opposing receivers in 2022. The low draft status masks what many feel could be a really good player.
Eberflus’ reason for the promotion was straightforward. The kid has looked good.
The Chicago Bears feel Smith fits them perfectly.
Cornerbacks in a Tampa-2 defense are required to be two things: tough and opportunistic. They need to understand the value of tackling and should be able to force turnovers. Smith’s senior year with the Gophers showcased both qualities. He had 38 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. He has that gritty edge to him that GM Ryan Poles has continually emphasized since he took over last year. It is great to hear the rookie is seizing on every opportunity. Competition makes everybody better.
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It will be interesting to see how Stevenson responds. He’s held that spot across from Jaylon Johnson since the end of OTAs. Now Smith is encroaching on his territory. The Bears want resilient players. He will have to step up his game. Either way, the depth at cornerback is much stronger than it was last season. Smith wouldn’t be the first 5th round cornerback to thrive in this defense. Nathan Vasher managed that feat years ago, and Smith is more talented than he was.
It is great to hear the rookie is seizing on every opportunity. Competition makes everybody better.