Tyrique Stevenson? Someone else? Bears' No. 2 CB job is 'completely up for grabs'

The Bears’ second starting cornerback job might be Tyrique Stevenson’s to lose, but it’s not his yet.

“I think it's completely up for grabs,” defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Wednesday.

Stevenson, who is infamous for botching a Commanders Hail Mary that prompted a 10-game slide last season, has started 30 games opposite Jaylon Johnson over the past two years.

The Bears have been impressed by veteran Nahshon Wright, who has filled in for Johnson during training camp while he recovers from a leg injury. Wright, who stands 6-4, has experience playing for defensive backs coach Al Harris. Third-year cornerback Terell Smith has started six games in his career. Josh Blackwell will make the team as a special teams ace.

Wednesday, Allen singled out veteran Nick McCloud, thought to be more of a special teams weapon, as having improved since the offseason program.

They'll all compete with Stevenson for his job during camp.

“I think that's how you develop the very best defense that you can, is create as much competition as you can and let the tape make the decision,” Allen said. “And that's really what it's about.”

Johnson is locked in as the starter once he returns. Kyler Gordon will start in the slot.

The rest, though, is to be determined over the next month. Asked about his comfort level with his cornerback depth, Allen smiled.

“Better than it was in the spring,” he said.