Is Tyrique Stevenson poised for a breakout season in 2024?

Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson had a very strong rookie season in 2023. He flashed the ability to be a legitimate lockdown cornerback in the NFL, he just has to cut down on the frustrating penalties.

Perhaps Stevenson’s propensity for the yellow flag was a product of his aggressive style of play combined with traditional rookie inexperience. Regardless, the Bears are relying on a breakout second season from the 2023 second-round pick, and according to Pro Football Focus, there’s a good chance they’ll get one.

“Stevenson had a good Year 1 as the Bears’ CB2, coming down with four interceptions and 13 pass breakups but allowing a 100.4 passer rating when targeted,” PFF’s Bradley Locker wrote. “Another good sign: his four highest-graded games came in Week 11 or later. With star Jaylon Johnson solidified next to him and a secondary bolstered with Kevin Byard, Stevenson should shoulder larger responsibilities for a revamped Bears team with lofty goals.”

Stevenson started all 16 games he played last year, totaling 86 tackles in addition to his production on the ball. He’s a fearless defender who brings a much-needed level of physicality that past Bears cornerbacks have lacked. Combined with Johnson and Kyler Gordon, he’ll have a chance to continue getting opportunities at interceptions and field-flipping plays.

Tyrique Stevenson’s rookie campaign was the most underrated defensive rookie performance pic.twitter.com/PdNOlUV8dq

— Jake Knows Ball ?? (@DaBears_26) April 2, 2024

MORE: 5 storylines to monitor as Chicago Bears begin OTAs

I’ll admit, I was a little disappointed when Ryan Poles selected Stevenson in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While I understand the value of having several quality cornerbacks, the fact that the Chicago Bears used the previous year’s second-round pick on Kyler Gordon made Stevenson feel superfluous.

Boy, was I wrong. Tyrique Stevenson is a massive reason why there’s so much upside on this Bears’ defense. There’s a reality in which Chicago will have the best defensive backfield in the NFL in 2024 with their collection of corners and safeties. It’s that good, and it’s Stevenson who put the group over the top.

Again, he’ll have to cut down on the penalties (he led the Chicago Bears’ defenders with seven flags in coverage in 2023). If he does, I have a hunch he’ll snag a few post-season accolades.