Cornerback is the Chicago Bears’ deepest position, and rightfully so. They have invested heavily in the position, adding Kyler Gordon, Terell Smith, and Tyrique Stevenson to 2020 (pre-GM Ryan Poles) second-round pick Jaylon Johnson. It would be understandable for a player to become complacent in that situation.
The Bears make a concerted effort to keep the players who are not playing engaged. That even goes for players sidelined with injuries.
Smith, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is no different.
Terell Smith Actively Awaits Opportunity in Bears CB Room
Bears CB Terell Smith Looking to ‘Dominate’ on the Field
“I say throughout the week, just stay involved. Just know what’s going on for the most part and everything like that,” Smith told Clocker Sports ahead of Wednesday’s practice. “And then when I do get my opportunities, just go out there and dominate.”
Smith appeared in 12 games as a rookie, starting four. He finished the campaign with 49 total tackles, 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovery.
He allowed 58.1% completion for 239 yards and one touchdown in his coverage as a rookie, per Pro Football Focus.
After playing 50% of the team’s snaps in the games that he played, per Pro Football Reference, Smith performed well during the 2024 preseason and has long had the faith of the coaching staff.
Terell Smith this preseason:
? 78.4 coverage grade
? 35 coverage snaps
? 0 receptions allowed
? 1 interception
? 0.0 passer rating allowed pic.twitter.com/cQY81NUuvH— PFF CHI Bears (@PFF_Bears) August 30, 2024
“I feel like it’s everything to have your coaching staff believe in you as a player, and knowing that they trust you to go out there if you need to be out there,” Smith said. “So I feel like that’s everything.”
Smith said he is looking forward to the regular season, a common theme.
Terell Smith: Caleb Williams Has ‘Crazy, Crazy’ Arm Talent
That will also be the team’s first look at rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams when the games count. The excitement around the rookie is palpable.
“He has crazy, crazy arm talent,” Smith said. “The arm talent’s there. Reading the defense is there. So much respect to him. We go out there, we compete against him every day. It’s a back-and-forth battle. He came in here and he went to work, so it’s been all good.”
This Caleb Williams edit. ??? pic.twitter.com/X3Q487T610
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) September 4, 2024
Smith said that he tries to pick Johnson’s brain for tips.
But he also had plenty of complimentary things to say about defensive passing game coordinator and cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke.
“Coach Hoke is a very good coach in my opinion,” Smith said of his position coach. “He’s very hard on you, he’s very demanding. But you get results when you get coached like that so I love it personally.”
What does Smith hope to prove in 2024?
“Just continue to be the person that I am,” Smith said. “Be the player that I know I can be, just take the next step. For me, personally, it’s just go out there every Sunday and just be the best I could be.”
Bears Practice Nuggets
The Bears had every available player at practice. That included the six players they listed as “limited” on the injury report.
That group included defensive end Montez Sweat and wide receiver Keenan Allen. Notably, Allen spoke with the media ahead of practice. Asked if he was comfortable with not being the clear-cut No. 1 option in the passing game while in a contract year.
Allen said he was okay with that and not looking for a “$35 million” salary.
Wide receiver Samori Toure spoke with Clocker Sports about switching sides from the Green Bay Packers to the Bears where he reunites with several former teammates.
The Bears will have two more practice sessions — one each on Thursday and Friday — before a day off and their regular season opener against the Tennessee Titans.