Many of the Chicago Bears’ 2023 draft picks have endured up-and-down starts to the season, but fifth-rounder Terell Smith has had an excellent start to his rookie campaign despite flying under the radar.
Smith wasn’t expected to make much of an impact in his first season, but he has proven otherwise and is making a solid case to be a starter moving forward. Since Week 3, Smith has been one of the team’s most consistent cornerbacks.
Smith Deserves Starting Spot
Smith was drafted in the fifth round from the University of Minnesota and originally considered a depth piece. It wasn’t a flashy pick, and he was an afterthought to fellow draft-mate Tyrique Stevenson, who was selected in the second round.
Smith made a name for himself early in camp, challenging for a starting spot out the gate. As camp went along, though, Stevenson would take the starting job, and Smith would expectedly be a backup.
Things would change quickly, however. Starting cornerback Kyler Gordon was placed on injured reserve after Week 1, and the Bears needed someone to step up in his absence. Smith’s number was called upon in Week 3, and he has delivered ever since.
Smith saw his first extended NFL action in the Bears’ 41-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He tallied 10 total tackles (seven solo), a TFL, and a PBU. He had a solid outing, but injuries to starter Jaylon Johnson and Josh Blackwell thrust the rookie into an unexpected starting role in Week 4.
Smith made his first NFL start in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos and impressed once again. He recorded five total tackles, a TFL, and a PBU. His most impressive play came when he broke up a third-down pass late in the fourth quarter, which led to the Broncos settling for a field goal. Despite the Broncos still winning the game, Smith’s third-down stop is a play that can win teams games.
Smith put Bears fans on notice ahead of Week 5. Against the Washington Commanders, Smith had the best performance of his young career so far. The rookie notched six tackles, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
The surface stats don’t accurately reflect Smith’s spectacular performance. For example, when Washington was driving down the field and eyeing a comeback, Smith’s game-changing fumble recovery caused the Commanders to lose their momentum and helped the Bears win their first game of the season.
The rookie Terell Smith forced the fumble and recovered it 🐻 @TerellSmith7#CHIvsWAS on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/YCeYJnyJmB pic.twitter.com/GIF8TIejiX— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2023
Smith played lights-out coverage, allowing just four receptions for 28 yards. In addition, his 77.3 PFF grade was the sixth-highest among all rookies in Week 5. The NFL recognized Smith’s performance, nominating him as a candidate for Rookie of the Week.
It’s been a very encouraging start for Smith, who, through Week 5, has allowed a 52.6 percent completion percentage when targeted, the fourth lowest among all rookies, 184 yards, and no touchdowns. Smith has undoubtedly earned himself an extended role in the defense, and the idea of Smith being a full-time starter has emerged.
#Bears HC Matt Eberflus is asked about the play of rookie DB Terell Smith… pic.twitter.com/9NvxK3KVDV
— Barroom Network – Aldo Gandia (@BarroomNetwork) October 11, 2023
As Johnson and Gordon return to action in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings, Smith has a real chance to start alongside them in a healthy secondary. Compared to the struggling Stevenson, who remains a projected starter, Smith has looked like the better player.
Regardless of draft capital, the Bears should give the starting role to the defender who has played better. Smith has by far played at a higher level and should be promoted to a starting (or at least a more significant) role,from now on.
There is no doubt that Smith was a hidden gem for Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears in the fifth round, and the 24-year-old could be a future long-term contributor for the team.
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