5 things to watch for in Chicago Bears Pre-season Opener
By Todd Welter
The roster battle to start opposite Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon
The other major roster competition in training camp is to see who will start at cornerback opposite Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon. Johnson has emerged as one of the best cover corners in the NFL. He is hoping to get a contract extension from the Chicago Bears, but he needs to start taking the ball away.
Gordon had a solid rookie season last year. He is moving over to the nickel corner.
That leaves rookies Tyrique Stevenson and Terrell Smith to battle it out to see who will start as the outside corner opposite of Jaylon Johnson.
The competition continues at CB between Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith at CB. Right now, both are listed behind Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon on the first unofficial depth chart. # Bears HC Matt Eberflus has a keen sense of, ‘you gotta earn it rookie!’”
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) August 8, 2023
Stevenson was taken in the second round while Smith was selected in the fifth round.
Most training camp accounts have been mixed on Stevenson. He has some impressive plays during camp.
#Bears rookie CB Tyrique Stevenson standing out in 7 on 7 red zone drills. Tipped a Justin Fields pass which landed in the hands of Eddie Jackson for an interception. Also, last second break up in the corner of the end zone.
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) August 1, 2023
Otherwise, he has been having to deal with D.J. Moore and Chase Claypool in practice. Both receivers are having an outstanding camp and making life difficult for the youngster. On the positive side, this is helping the rookie get better.
Smith has gotten some practice reps with the starters and has looked impressive. Although, he was held out of practice on Tuesday to nurse an injury.
If he can go on Saturday, both players need to get a lot of reps. It is not just for the experience, but also to see who will be the starter.
No matter who wins the starting job, both are going to make their rookie mistakes. Gordon went through it last season.
The key is whether can they learn from their mistakes. First, let’s see if they are worthy of a starting job because of their play and not because of their draft status.