So far, in training camp, the Chicago Bears defense has been making some noise. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has that unit flying around and looking like a problem for opposing offenses.
In Allen's latest update, he noted a camp battle which some fans might not have expected. Allen pointed out that the second starting cornerback job, next to Jaylon Johnson, is "completely up for grabs," according to Bears reporter Cassie Carlson.
To some, this news comes a little out of left field. Tyrique Stevenson was firmly the Bears' CB2 last season and figured to keep that job going into 2025. However, there is also a portion of the fan base which grew tired of Stevenson's antics at times.
In a nutshell: the job is not Stevenson's. In fact, it's anybody's game.
Tyrique Stevenson might have a clean slate, but so does the rest of the cornerback room
Earlier this offseason, we heard that Stevenson was being given a "clean slate" under Allen. While that's all well and good, it also appears as though the rest of the cornerbacks have been given the same chance at earning a starting role.
We all remember the "Fail Mary" play against the Commanders which fans will never allow Stevenson to forget. That seemed to be what started the snowball effect in derailing the Bears' season. But, it's been the off-and-on immaturity and attitude concerns, even outside of that instance, which have some fans wary of Stevenson's dependability.
If Allen is open to another starter opposite Johnson, then Stevenson is going to have to look out for third-year pro Terell Smith and rookie Zah Frazier. Kind of a funny coincidence, both were drafted in the fifth round. Yet, each one of them have been playing well at times throughout camp.
Obviously, Smith and Frazier have both played well enough for Allen to keep this an open competition at the second starting spot.
Although he's been absent for the last couple of days (personal), Frazier is one to watch. Nearly 6-foot-3 and running at 4.39 speed, Frazier has the physical makeup of a dominating cornerback. In his final season at UTSA, Frazier notched a whopping six interceptions and nine total pass breakups.