Bears roster: Can Thomas Graham Jr. earn snaps in rookie season?

The Chicago Bears are a team in transition, but many believe they are on the rise. The Bears roster got a big boost thanks to a very good 2021 NFL Draft class. They invested most of their selections on the offensive side of the ball, but a couple got thrown the defense’s way as well.

A position to watch on the Bears roster heading into training camp is the corner position. After the departure of Kyle Fuller, questions arose about who would snag the other outside corner spot. The Bears went after plenty of former high draft picks in free agency. They signed former Falcons and Lions corner Desmond Trufant, re-signed Artie Burns, and have Teez Tabor in house as well.

Trufant is likely the leader in the clubhouse as of now, but there will certainly be competition for snaps. Even if the outside spot gets taken, snaps for slot corner will be available as well.

Oregon corner Thomas Graham Jr. could earn snaps amid many names on the Chicago Bears roster.

Graham opted out of the 2020 season which likely hurt his stock a little. However, there are definite traits to build on with him. He has impressive mirror/match skills in man coverage and is quick to diagnose and close on the ball/ballcarrier. Graham’s physical temperament shows up on tape, as he likes to initiate contact near the line of scrimmage and frustrate receivers at the catch point. He’s also reliable coming up to tackle against the run. Graham is good at staying in receivers’ hip pockets when working in coverage vertically, and is quick to flip his hips and doesn’t waste movement doing so.

Because of his issues with horizontal transitions, there are questions about where Graham fits best at the next level. His abilities better translate to the perimeter rather than the slot, and with Trufant’s abilities in the slot, there’s a chance Graham can earn some snaps in year one with a strong camp.

The Chicago Bears roster is ready for someone to step up and be the guy opposite Jaylon Johnson, and maybe it’s Graham for the long term.