The Chicago Bears have an outstanding trio of cornerbacks that they'll field this season. Jaylon Johnson is the primary focus after signing a lucrative four-year extension earlier this offseason. Tyrique Stevenson was a rookie revelation who will continue starting opposite Johnson on the boundary. Former second-round pick Kyler Gordon will serve as the nickel corner.
Depth is important at all positions, but that's especially true at cornerback, with today's pass-happy offense regularly challenging opposing secondaries. NFL defensive coordinators are essentially forced to utilize nickel coverage looks as the new base defense. That places a heavy workload on the top three cornerbacks, making the fourth corner an imperative piece that must step up as a rotational or injury-fill-in option.
That's precisely why sophomore cornerback Terell Smith will be so important to the Bears' defense this season. Smith did not play like a rookie fifth-round pick in 2023. Smith immediately impressed the coaching staff throughout last season's training camp and preseason period, showcasing himself as a rookie they could rely on.
Y2 ⏰ pic.twitter.com/1ubSfKhCAS
— T-Time (@TerellSmith7) June 11, 2024
Head coach Matt Eberflus did just that. Smith earned 377 defensive snaps last season, which accounted for 35.20% of all Bears plays, according to Pro Football Reference. Smith was the Bears' fourth-most-snapped cornerback, a trend that should continue during his upcoming sophomore season.
Pro Football Focus' charting indicates Smith played 344 snaps on the boundary, making him the primary backup to Johnson and Stevenson. The former Minnesota standout more than held his own, all things considered. Smith allowed 25 receptions on 43 targets en route to claiming a solid PFF coverage grade of 65.4.
Opposing quarterbacks saw a below-average passer rating of 81.4 when targeting Smith in coverage. The competitive cornerback allowed 9.6 yards per reception, meaning he allowed less than a first-down per completion. Smith also loved coming downhill to impact the run game, with PFF assigning him a run-stopping grade of 83.2. That made Smith an asset to the Bears' ascending secondary.
New Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington has the playmakers required to field a top-10 defense throughout 2023. Effectively getting through a grueling 17-game campaign means depth players must be utilized when necessary. Smith should showcase development as the Bears' No. 4 cornerback this season.
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