The 2026 NFL Draft is near, and the Chicago Bears should be all-in on defensive players to get that side of the ball younger and faster.
Most Bears fans want to see them go after an edge rusher, defensive tackle, and safety in the early rounds of the draft. Some believe a cornerback could be in play on Day 1 or 2, and one scheduled visit they have could line up with that narrative.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the Bears are one of three teams visiting this week with Miami Hurricanes cornerback Keionte Scott. With an All-ACC selection on his resume, Scott had 64 tackles, five pass deflections, five sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns.
Bears visiting with Keionte Scott sends a message to Tyrique Stevenson
Scott is the ballhawk the Bears need badly in their secondary after losing key starters like Nahshon Wright and Kevin Byard, who were all about having a nose for the football. A good part about Scott's game, too, is that he can make an impact on special teams as a returner, as he returned a punt for a touchdown back in 2023 when he played at Auburn.
While the Bears have top corners like Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, there are some questions about Tyrique Stevenson and whether he is even still a starting-caliber cornerback in the NFL. Stevenson got off to a good start to 2025 with Johnson and Gordon both out with injuries, but by the end of the season, Stevenson had disappeared from the defense and wasn't even getting any snaps.
What a training camp battle that would be at CB2 between Stevenson and Scott. Stevenson is nearing the end of his rookie contract, so that would open the door for Scott to jump in and be a long-term starter for the next four to five years for Chicago.
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The real question is whether the Bears are willing to spend a first or second-round pick on Scott to replace Stevenson. Bears fans might be a bit split on that decision if it happens, but it should be a message to Stevenson to shape up in 2026, because competition could be coming.