The Chicago Bears selected Minnesota cornerback Terell Smith with the 165th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
GM Ryan Poles added more depth in the secondary with Smith, who joins a talented, young cornerback group that also includes Jaylon Johnson, Kyler Gordon and second-round pick Tyrique Stevenson.
Smith has a nice combination of size (6-1, 204-pounds), speed (4.41), and length (32 7/8) that Matt Eberflus will love. He’s got developmental upside and could prove to be a late-round steal for Chicago.
Smith was a fifth-year player at Minnesota, playing in 48 games for the Gophers. Last season, Smith totaled 38 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble, seven pass breakups and two interceptions in 13 games.
The Bears got great value with Smith in the fifth round, as some believed he would go in the third or fourth round. Smith has great athleticism and instincts. He can battle with wide receivers on the outside and is great in run support. Smith is a great developmental pick for Chicago in the fifth round.
Grade: B
