LAKE FOREST, IL — A new coaching staff often means new expectations — and in the case of the Chicago Bears, it also means a clean slate for several young defenders looking to reset their careers.
At the Bears’ rookie minicamp, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson made a strong impression, picking off an errant throw from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams during a scramble drill. It was a play that showcased Stevenson’s ball-hawking ability and his potential fit in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s aggressive press-man scheme.
“He’s got some length and he’s not afraid,” head coach Ben Johnson said. “Those are two things that you really need to play corner, particularly the style of corner that we’re looking for.”
Stevenson, along with safety Jaquan Brisker and defensive end Dominique Robinson, are all getting a chance to reset under this new staff — not to forget the past, but to prove their value anew.
Jaquan Brisker: Overcoming Concussions, Fighting for His Future
Brisker, who missed the majority of the 2024 season due to a vestibular concussion, is now cleared to play — and motivated to prove the doubters wrong.
“Doubting the team, doubting me — whatever it may be, I’m keeping all receipts,” Brisker said.
The former second-round pick suffered the concussion in Week 5 against Carolina on a brutal collision that caused him lingering dizziness and vertigo. He had to undergo nervous system retraining to regain balance and spatial tracking.
Now, healthy and determined, Brisker says he’s not trying to prove anything — just stay healthy and do what he does best.
“I go attack the ball and I come down and hit, I come down and tackle, and I’m a leader,” he said. “Just have to be out there.”
Dominique Robinson: Making the Most of a New Look
For defensive end Dominique Robinson, the new staff’s approach has been equally refreshing. Despite being limited to just six games in 2024 and logging only two career sacks since being drafted in 2022, he’s caught the eye of coaches.
Johnson named Robinson as one of his minicamp standouts, praising his athleticism and quick first step.
“He looks the part, for sure,” Johnson said.
Robinson saw first-team reps alongside Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, and Gervon Dexter Sr., hinting that the staff is seriously evaluating his potential to play significant snaps this season.
Tyrique Stevenson: Leaving Past Mistakes Behind
One of the biggest questions surrounding Stevenson’s return was whether the team would rehash his botched Hail Mary coverage against Washington that cost the Bears a win last season.
“There’s really no conversation needed to be had,” Stevenson said. “I owned it. It was a mistake. I just happen to play a sport where my mistake is nationally televised.”
Coach Johnson agreed, emphasizing that the staff isn’t interested in reliving past failures, only evaluating what players bring to the table now.
“He’s learned from it, he’s grown from it, and what’s in the past is in the past and we’re moving forward,” Johnson said.
Stevenson, who tied for the team lead in interceptions as a rookie, is focused on contributing to what he hopes becomes the best defense in the NFL.
“We add some pieces in, some dogs. It’s time to hunt,” Stevenson said.
A Defensive Identity Rebuilt
While Johnson was brought in to rebuild Chicago’s offense, he and Allen are also crafting a new defensive identity, one based not on past results but present-day competition. Players like Brisker, Stevenson, and Robinson are being given the chance to prove themselves without the baggage of 2024.
And for a team with championship aspirations, every rep counts.
Which Bears defender do you think will break out under the new coaching staff? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
