SIAP - But good to see Tyrique Stevenson & Mike Jack mentioned in this ESPN article as balling out
Surprise offseason standouts for 32 NFL teams: Players to watch
CB Tyrique Stevenson
This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise given Stevenson was drafted in the second round, but the rookie quickly grabbed hold of first-team reps this spring and looks primed to start opposite Jaylon Johnson. The former Miami standout's confidence is "a little bit ahead" of that of a typical rookie, according to coach Matt Eberflus, which has helped solidify the Bears' secondary. The corner made a handful of plays, including an interception in OTAs, while impressing coaches with how fast he has picked up the defense.
"Really excited about how in two days he's kind of figured out some of the concepts we try to teach and understand those," cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke said.
After a solid showing as a first-year starter in 2022, Jackson seemed destined for a backup role when the Seahawks spent the No. 5 overall pick on Devon Witherspoon. He's making a strong case to remain a regular on defense, however, perhaps as the third corner. With Tariq Woolen sidelined following arthroscopic knee surgery, Jackson has been working with the No. 1 defense and had the best spring of any Seahawk, according to coach Pete Carroll, who called him "almost dominant."
Surprise offseason standouts for 32 NFL teams: Players to watch
Chicago Bears
CB Tyrique Stevenson
This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise given Stevenson was drafted in the second round, but the rookie quickly grabbed hold of first-team reps this spring and looks primed to start opposite Jaylon Johnson. The former Miami standout's confidence is "a little bit ahead" of that of a typical rookie, according to coach Matt Eberflus, which has helped solidify the Bears' secondary. The corner made a handful of plays, including an interception in OTAs, while impressing coaches with how fast he has picked up the defense.
"Really excited about how in two days he's kind of figured out some of the concepts we try to teach and understand those," cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke said.
Seattle Seahawks
CB Mike JacksonAfter a solid showing as a first-year starter in 2022, Jackson seemed destined for a backup role when the Seahawks spent the No. 5 overall pick on Devon Witherspoon. He's making a strong case to remain a regular on defense, however, perhaps as the third corner. With Tariq Woolen sidelined following arthroscopic knee surgery, Jackson has been working with the No. 1 defense and had the best spring of any Seahawk, according to coach Pete Carroll, who called him "almost dominant."
