Chicago Bears’ fifth-round pick shows underrated potential at minicamp

With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon signed to long-term extensions, the Chicago Bears have built a strong cornerback core. However, Tyrique Stevenson’s status as the long-term starter is in question. And rumblings of his replacement only grew louder when the Bears selected Zah Frazier with the No. 169 overall pick.

As a fifth-round pick, Frazier isn’t expected to immediately step in and start. However, a strong showing at rookie minicamp and into training camp would certainly put him on the radar. And Frazier didn’t disappoint when first given an opportunity.

The cornerback opened eyes when he broke up a deep pass down the left sideline. He has been working closely with defensive pass game coordinator to get up to NFL speed. Clearly the pairing has been working, as Frazier’s pass breakup showed the type of player he can be for the Bears, via Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic.

“I was press-man. He gave me a good release,” Frazier said. “I kinda, I stabbed him. I just played my technique and I didn’t panic. And once you don’t panic, good things happen. So that was a good thing, having a little PBU. I want the ball, though.”

Frazier’s work overall throughout rookie mini camp caught the eye of defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. The cornerback certainly has the size for the position at 6-foot-3. If he continues to make plays and develop how the defensive coordinator is expecting, Frazier will soon become a favorite of Allen’s.

“Probably the biggest thing is you got a big, long press corner that can run,” Allen said. “He made a play out there today along the left sidelines — defensively, as you look at it — and that’s kind of what we saw with him. Here’s another guy that’s a young, developmental corner. He’s got a lot of things that he’s got to learn, but he’s got the tools for us to work with.”

Zah Frazier enters Chicago Bears cornerback mix 

As it stands, Stevenson will likely be the starter across from Johnson Week 1. There is always a chance of injury or a major roster change, but the team likely wants to see what they have in the cornerback. His 2024 season was earmarked by the Washington Commanders Hail Mary disaster. But only 24-years-old, the Bears want to know if Stevenson can be a part of the defensive core moving forward.

Still, the selection of Frazier is noteworthy. Allen and company are clearly considering the future of the cornerback position. Head coach Ben Johnson wants playmakers all over the roster, including defense. Frazier proved he can provide that in spades during his final season at USTA.

The cornerback set a new school record with six interceptions, tying for second-most in the entire country. Furthermore, Frazier added nine passes defended, a forced fumble and a tackle for a loss. He was named First-Team All-AAC.

The biggest red flag against Frazier is that he is a late bloomer. While his 2024 season was explosive, he doesn’t have much production to speak of prior. Furthermore, he spent time at the Junior College level and struggled to get acclimated once making to back to FBS. All to say, Frazier doesn’t have a consistent track record of success.

Still, Allen and the Bears added him for a reason with Frazier’s playmaking being a primary factor. The cornerback’s work at rookie minicamp was the first step in proving he can be a difference maker in the secondary long-term.