Controversial Bears Starter on Chopping Block Right Before NFL Draft

The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and Chicago Bears fans are anxiously waiting to see how new head coach Ben Johnson will leave his mark on the organization's plans. After acquiring rising star quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick in 2024 and receiver Rome Odunze at No. 9, the foundation for the offense is set moving forward.

As a result, most expect the team to focus on defense and the trenches in this year's draft. Chicago has made some impressive picks in recent years, though there have been some consistency issues that've plagued the roster.

One promising player who struggled mightily last season was cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who infamously gave up the Hail Mary to the Washington Commanders in embarrassing fashion during a low point in the campaign. Unfortunately for Stevenson, his on-field struggles and antics leave him on the chopping block entering Thursday's first round.

Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson on Chopping Block Entering NFL Draft

To be clear, Stevenson is still penciled in as a starter and has two years left on his rookie contract. He's not leaving the team, though his job could be in jeopardy depending how Johnson views him and the Bears utilize their draft picks.

This is considered to be a deep cornerback class with numerous potentially productive players, many of whom provide fewer headaches than Stevenson does. He ranked just 133rd out of 222 qualified cornerbacks at Pro Football Focus in 2024, which represents a large fall from the considerable promise he showed during his rookie campaign.

If Johnson, who comes from a no-nonsense organization in the Lions, doesn't want to deal with Stevenson, he very well may draft his eventually replacement. Stevenson is a talented player who should be part of Chicago's future, yet if he doesn't improve, he'll prove to be more trouble than he's worth.

Still just 24 years old, it's possible that Stevenson just experienced a period of immaturity and needed a new coaching staff. That said, Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles would be wise to create a contingency plan based on last season's performance.

For now, Stevenson remains a starter. Once the draft is over though, it's quite possible that he'll be fighting for his job. If the right player falls to the Bears, Stevenson isn't good enough to prevent the organization's brass from preparing for the worst.

2024 was a failed campaign for the 2023 second-round pick. He has an opportunity to turn things around, yet he's on the chopping block right now nonetheless.