WCG’s lead draft analyst looks at the Bears’ newest cornerback UDFA signing.
The Chicago Bears have signed Troy cornerback Reddy Steward as an undrafted free agent following the 2024 NFL Draft.
The corner with the second-best PFF career grade at his position in the 2024 class, Steward is a two-time first-team All-Sun Belt cornerback with 7 interceptions, 22 pass deflections and two pick-6s over his last two seasons. He most notably finished the 2022 season with a 90.7 PFF grade: the third-highest of all FBS cornerbacks that year.
Though he measured on the smaller side leading up to the draft, it’s his football IQ and competitive nature that stands out the most about him on tape. Given that Chicago has just 7 cornerbacks on its roster currently, Steward has the chance to push for a practice squad role, if not a 53-man roster spot.
In getting to interview Steward leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, I also found out he recently became an uncle and enjoys watching movies and basketball in his free time.
I took to Steward’s tape to break down what he brings to the table for the Bears as an undrafted free agent signing.
THREAD: The #Bears signed one of the 2024 draft’s most productive corners as a UDFA in Troy CB Reddy Steward.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 28, 2024
With 7 INTs and 22 PBUs in the last two years, Steward has tremendous ball production.
He recognizes route concepts well and is aggressive in timing when he jumps the route to make a play on the ball. #Bears pic.twitter.com/P2UaUj7zwf
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 28, 2024
Steward has the 2nd-highest career PFF grade of any CB in this class.
His spatial awareness in coverage, his playmaking mentality and fluidity stand out when you watch him on tape. #Bears pic.twitter.com/FPVn1cbVoP
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 28, 2024
Steward is a small CB at 5-foot-11 and 176 pounds, but don’t let that fool you: he fights hard against the run.
In a time where many CBs are passive in run support, Steward has a high motor and charges hard downhill. #Bears pic.twitter.com/0X2dIHxZjZ
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 28, 2024
With the cornerbacks the #Bears have on their roster, Reddy Steward faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster.
However, he makes a lot of sense as a practice squad add. They only roster 7 CBs right now — Steward has a real chance to compete for a spot.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 28, 2024
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