Stevenson on becoming a Chicago Bear: "It’s time to get to work" |
CHICAGO - After choosing Gervon Dexter at No. 53 overall, the Bears went defense again with defensive back Tyrique Stevenson out of Miami at No. 56 overall. This pick was acquired in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the Bears sent the Jaguars the No. 61 overall pick and No. 136 overall in the fifth round.
Stevenson played four years in college. He spent the first two with Georgia but excelled more in his last two years with Miami. In total, throughout his career, he defended a total of 21 passes and recorded 115 tackles. His performance at the NFL Combine was above average, with a 4.45 40-yard dash time, 10-foot, 5-inch broad jump, and 38.5-inch vertical. Part of the reason for his transfer, as Stevenson explains it, is because he was naive and not getting a lot of playing time with the Bulldogs. Chicago is in need of defenders in the backfield, as they allowed an average of 6.1 yards per game, the second-highest in the league last season. The secondary was not addressed as much in free agency, but this pick shows how the Bears intended to address that problem in the draft. Someone like Stevenson is also incredibly valuable because of the fact that he is comfortable playing both man and zone. “I have no problem with either (man or zone coverage),” Stevenson said. “On the 30 visits, I kind of showed that and stressed that to them as well. I have no problem playing off, I have no problem playing zone, I have no problem playing, man. Wherever the defense needs me, I’ll be right there.” In addition, he also transitioned from a slot defender to playing on the outside. Typically this transition happens the other way around, and it can be difficult for players to adjust to. Stevenson acknowledges that it was difficult initially, but his confidence gave him the ability to successfully make this transition. “(The transition from slot to outside) was rough at first,” Stevenson said. “But, me being a corner coming out of high school and still having that confidence … just gave me that comfortability to move back out there.” There is a lot that he brings to the game, particularly coming from two great programs in Georgia and Miami. Through these schools, he’s developed his football IQ, which is one thing that he considers one of his greatest strengths. “I would say my (strengths are my) football IQ, my versatility, and (how I play the game) physical and tough,” Stevenson said. But above all, there is one crucial message Stevenson has for Chicagoland - “It feels good to be a Bear. It’s time to get to work.”
