2 defensive players who could be a nice surprise in 2024
1. CB Tyrique Stevenson
Stevenson's certainly going to get his chances next year – in 2023, the rookie ended up with almost twice as many targets (101) as Jaylon Johnson had (50).
As is the case with most rookie cornerbacks, results were mixed: he had four interceptions and 13 PBUs, but also committed seven penalties while allowing nine touchdowns and had a 100.4 passer rating against. He started stringing together good games late in the season, however, and his Week 17 performance against the Falcons (2 INTs, two receptions on six targets, 28 yards) made it seem like things were starting to click.
Plus, playing alongside Johnson, Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and Kyler Gordon never hurts.
2. CB Terrell Smith
Smith-Stevenson feels like it could end up being one of the more interesting roster battles at camp this summer. Smith played less – only appearing in 12 games and starting four – but looked pretty good doing so.
He was especially great against the run, making 49 tackles while keeping his missed tackle percentage under eight percent. His coverage stats weren't half bad, either.
The lesson here is that regardless of who's lining up on the other side of Johnson, the Bears' secondary is in a good place going into next season.