Chicago Bears heralded for sneaky late-round draft pick

Head coach Ben Johnson has officially completed his first NFL Draft as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Chicago’s 2025 class was highlighted by their offensive additions, which makes sense seeing as Johnson helped the Detroit Lions’ offense become of the best in the league.

Furthermore, the Bears are building their franchise around quarterback Caleb Williams. After a rocky rookie season, the franchise wants to do everything in their power to put him in a place to succeed.

However, the Bears haven’t forgotten about the defensive side of the ball. While the offensive issues became the main storyline, Chicago ranked just 27th in total defense, allowing 354.3 yards per game. Which is why ESPN’s Field Yates is so hyped on the Bears’ selection of cornerback Zah Frazier in the fifth-round. He called it one of his favorite picks of the entire draft.

“Day 3 is the time to bet on traits, so it’s easy to see why Frazier had appeal despite needing to develop after three seasons at UTSA,” Yates wrote. “He has excellent size and length for a corner (6-foot-3 with 32⅞-inch arms), as well as elite speed (4.36 40-yard dash at the combine).”

“Frazier’s speed translates to his recovery skills on deep throws, but he can also snag the ball out of the air,” Yates continued. “His six interceptions in 2024 tied for the second most in the FBS.”

What Zah Frazier offers Chicago Bears 

Frazier spent three years at UTSA, appearing in 29 games. However, it wasn’t until his senior year that the cornerback had the opportunity to make a real impact. Frazier made the most of that shot, recording 24 tackles, nine passes defended and an American Conference leading six interceptions. He was ultimately named First-team All-ACC.

A late bloomer, Frazier still needs further development to make an impact at the NFL. But he has the size-speed combination teams are looking for on the outside. In the fifth-round, Frazier makes for a strong Chicago gamble.

When it comes to the Bears’ cornerback depth chart, two of the spots are already locked up. Both Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon have earned lucrative contract extensions, proving to be key parts of Chicago’s defensive core. However, Tyrique Stevenson’s status is a bit more in question.

He is still poised to enter 2025 as the starter, but it’ll be a make-or-break year for the cornerback. Stevenson is most known for his actions during the Washington Commanders Hail Mary debacle. However, his entire 2024 campaign was a bit of a disaster, as he ranked 133/222 cornerbacks with a 58.9 grade from PFF.

Stevenson has shown some flashes of brilliance with six interceptions and 28 passes defended over his two years with the team. Pass defense was one of Chicago’s strengths in 2024. However, they still ranked just xx. Johnson and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen are certainly looking for more explosiveness from their secondary.

Frazier would truly need to prove himself if he is going to make a difference in 2025. But even if it takes time to develop, the Bears are confident in Frazier as a prospect. While their draft was highlighted by the offensive players they added, Frazier was one of the true standouts on defense. The Bears are hoping that statement remains true if/when the cornerback gets onto the field.