Bears select CB Terell Smith with 165th overall pick in 2023 NFL draft

The Bears selected Minnesota CB Terell Smith in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Chicago Bears selected Minnesota cornerback Terell Smith with the 165th overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, adding depth to the secondary.

Smith has a nice combination of size (6-1, 204-pounds), speed (4.41), and length (32 7/8). He’s got plenty of upside and could prove to be a late-round steal for Chicago.

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 with Minnesota.

Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Smith:

Ascending cornerback with an outstanding combination of size, speed and toughness. Smith’s technique and game film improved from 2021 to 2022. He stays low and patient in his backpedal. He has above-average footwork for a cornerback his size, which allows him to mirror the release and stay connected to the deep route. He’s experienced in playing all forms of coverage, but he’s best from press and off-man. Smith is a reliable tackler with a playing disposition that matches expectations for NFL run support. The on-ball production is a little light, but the traits and talent are in place for a starting role at outside cornerback in the future or a transition to safety.

Smith is the second cornerback that general manager Ryan Poles has added to the roster, joining second-round pick Tyrique Stevenson.

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