Grading the Bears' 2023 Rookie Class

Now that the NFL regular season is in the books, it's time to look back at the Chicago Bears' 2023 draft class. So, how did the 10 rookies fair in their first year of professional football?
OT Darnell Wright was selected 10th overall by the Bears at the 2023 NFL Draft.
OT Darnell Wright was selected 10th overall by the Bears at the 2023 NFL Draft. / Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
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Tyrique Stevenson, CB (R2, Pick 56): B-

Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) celebrates a defensive play.
Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) celebrates a defensive play. / Tork Mason-USA TODAY Sports

Like Dexter, Tyrique Stevenson had a slow start to his NFL career. The cornerback drafted out of Miami just couldn't find the same success as he did in college, but that changed as he improved with each passing outing.

Stevenson finished his first campaign with 86 tackles (65 solo), 16 defended passes, four interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He did allow 12.6 yards per reception and nine TDs on 66 receptions, so there is room for improvement, but his performance is still a good starting point.

PFF graded Stevenson as the No. 81-ranked CB out of 128 eligible players. Although that isn't the greatest ranking, the fact that he's seen as better than over a third of players at his position despite only being 23 is something to get excited about.

Zacch Pickens, DT (R3, Pick 64): C

Even though he was a Day 3 selection, Zacch Pickens didn't see a ton of playing time in 2023.

The rookie defensive tackle played all 17 games but only suited up for 264 defensive snaps and another 16 on special teams. He didn't accomplish all that much with his limited playing time, finishing the year with 20 tackles, 0.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and a defended pass.

With a new coaching regime on the horizon, it'll be interesting to see where Pickens fits in with any future plans. He has some potential but it looks like he needs the right coach to bring it out.