Leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft starting on April 27th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up...
Tyrique Stevenson (Cornerback), Miami, Junior
Tyrique Stevenson stands in at 6' tall, weighing 200lbs, and is one of the most consistent cornerbacks in this draft class.
Miami Athletics
Tyrique Stevenson matches a wide receiver step for step during the spring game.
Overview
There are few cornerbacks that possess the size, strength, and savvy play that Stevenson has put on tape. Most big corners can't wait to get their hands on opposing wide receivers and will be over aggressive, especially at the line of scrimmage. Stevenson is the opposite, as he is extremely patient and waits for the receiver to make the first move before using his length to disrupt them. Being one of the thicker built cornerbacks, Stevenson is an underrated athlete as he tested in the upper half of every drill at the combine, except for the cone drills. Stevenson won't be an elite change of direction defender by any means, but that impact is lessened by him being a pure perimeter corner in college, and likely the NFL.
Stevenson is on record saying the toughest wide receivers he has ever guarded was George Pickens, who Stevenson was tasked with guarding frequently during his time at Georgia before transferring after the 2020 season. So a reunion could be an opportunity to have iron sharpen iron while wearing the Black and Gold.
Pros:
- Good length
- Above average athlete
- Built like a safety
- Possibly the best balance in the class
- Good acceleration that allows him to recover quickly
- Great press technique
Cons:
- Change of direction isn't great
- Not an elite playmaker
- Ball skills have only been average
- Inconsistent tackling
The Steelers definitely have a stigma around them that they struggle to draft cornerbacks, especially ones early in the draft. One of the few successes, Cam Sutton, just left via free agency. Someone like Stevenson is a safe bet to be a solid NFL player for many years. However, many in Steeler Nation may be a bit hesitant to draft another cornerback from Miami... Regardless of any hesitation from the fan base, the Steelers brought Stevenson in for one of their 30 pre-draft visits, so they clearly have interest.
Jacob Kupferman | AP
Tyrique Stevenson playing for the Miami Hurricanes.
Coverage
While playing in college Stevenson was able to gain a lot of experience in multiple coverage schemes, as Miami's defense mixed coverages frequently. Stevenson doesn't have a weak spot in terms of zone or man, but he definitely looks most comfortable when pressing near the line of scrimmage. Being able to disrupt opposing wide receivers early in their route and stay in their hip pocket is where he excels. When playing off the ball Stevenson shows excellent patience, but is almost too patient at times when he needs to open his hips and run downfield with receivers or make a break on the ball.
Ball Skills and Instincts
Stevenson could definitely use improvement in terms of playing the ball in the air and understanding route concepts going on around him better. When he is locked in on his man he is a confident player, but has shown inconsistency when recognizing route combinations, causing occasional blown coverages. Once the ball is in the air Stevenson is slightly late to trigger, but because of his explosive athleticism and length he has done a good job making catches much tougher on opposing wide receivers and limiting yards after the catch. Ideally he is able to speed up his attack of the ball so he can get some more deflections, and ideally, interceptions.
Dale Zanine | USA Today Sports
Tyruque Stevenson attempts to make a tackle against Alabama.
Run Support and Tackling
For a bigger cornerback with long arms, Stevenson is a little more inconsistent as a tackler than most would like to see. Even with that, his physicality and willingness in the run game is very promising, as he never shies away from contact. While he can occasionally miss a tackle, he does a good job limiting yards after the catch as he attacks the body of the receiver during the catch to ensure even if he does come down with the ball, that is where the play ends.
NFL Comparison - Carlton Davis
There are a few corners that come to mind when you think of comparisons for Stevenson, but Carlton Davis makes a lot of sense in my opinion. Both are long corners that love to disrupt wide receivers early in their routes, and neither operate as true ball hawks despite always being around the football.
Draft Projection - 2nd Round
There are few prospects that have a true range where you know they are going to go, but Stevenson has a pretty clear window. There is a slim chance he sneaks into the late first round, but it is almost a given he goes somewhere in the second round this April.
Let us know below what you think about Stevenson as a prospect and the potential of seeing him in the black and gold! What other prospects would you be interested in seeing a profile on? Click to comment below!
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