1. Chicago Bears Contemplate Starting Greg Stroman Against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bears could very well go this route. In such a configuration, they'd maintain Tyrique Stevenson and Jaylon Johnson in their exterior positions while slotting Greg Stroman in the middle.
Advantageously, this move aligns with their summer strategy. Stroman held the position of the tertiary slot cornerback. He took the slot spot during the times Kyler Gordon was sidelined and when Blackwell was nursing injuries. This trajectory suggests he might naturally be the successor in line. Not to mention, this arrangement would mean Stevenson remains undisturbed in his role, and Smith won't be thrust into an unfamiliar position during his NFL debut.
However, the concerns here revolve around Stroman's scant NFL gameplay since 2018. As the third-choice slot cornerback, there might be inherent limitations. Even though he offers potential, his track record, marred by injuries from 2019-2021, isn't the most reassuring. With players like Smith and Stevenson, the team can attempt to counteract the threat posed by Chris Godwin. But, if Stroman is designated to the slot and Godwin settles there, maneuverability might be compromised.
Another strategy the Bears could consider is retaining Tyrique Stevenson in his exterior position and introducing rookie Terell Smith into the mix. One clear advantage of this approach is the consistency it offers Stevenson, allowing him to excel in a familiar role.
This configuration could potentially set the stage for Johnson to shadow Evans and Stevenson to trail Godwin. Should Godwin remain outside and Trey Palmer takes on the slot, it would be strategic for the Bears to position Smith there. Even though Smith lacks prior experience in the slot, it doesn't necessarily imply he's ill-suited for it. The team would benefit from assessing Smith's capability in practice sessions to gauge if he's a dependable choice for the position.
