Thomas Graham Jr. was a 6th round pick for the Chicago Bears this year. Somebody they seemed to think highly of and a favorite among draft experts. So how is it that the team waited until Week 15 to give the young cornerback an opportunity, and only after a massive COVID outbreak left them no choice? Some of that can be chalked up to Matt Nagy and his staff still having a limited grasp on their own personnel. However, Graham himself had an answer to the question.
After his breakout debut against the Minnesota Vikings where he finished with seven tackles and three pass deflections, the rookie spoke to the media. There he explained that much of the delay was thanks to his own personal issues. According to him, he didn’t handle getting cut back in August overly well. Describing himself as “butthurt” about it. Over time he began to realize the problem wasn’t a lack of belief in him. It was a lack of trust. He had to show they could trust him.
When the opportunity finally came, he was ready.
The kid ended up being the best defensive back on the field for the Bears against what is a pretty good Vikings passing game. Kirk Cousins finished with less than 100 yards passing and superstar receiver Justin Jefferson was held mostly in check. It’s unfortunate such a strong debut was wasted because the Bears offense still can’t score points. Even so, it looks like the team may have another young piece to explore.
Already Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson look like long-term fixtures for the defense. Could Graham join that conversation? The coaching staff seems ready and willing to find out. The rookie was officially promoted from the practice squad to the active roster this week. It’s a safe bet he will make his second start this coming Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. Another tough challenge with Russell Wilson and that passing game.
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Thomas Graham is again proving draft status can’t matter
It is whether they are getting the job done in practice. From the sound of things, he was really starting to show up at some point during the season. Looking more consistent and making more plays. Yet the Bears still saw fit to ride it out with guys like Kindle Vildor and Artie Burns. Why? It certainly wasn’t on-field performance. The only explanation is experience and draft status. Burns is a former 1st rounder while Vildor was a 5th rounder last year.
This is a running trend with Nagy’s staff. They put experience and/or draft status ahead of guys who actually look like they can play. This is why somebody like Thomas Graham remains stuck on the practice squad or Jesper Horsted not getting any snaps on offense despite already having more touchdowns than Cole Kmet and Jimmy Graham.
If something isn’t working, try something else.
People might be shocked by what could happen. This is why late round picks and undrafted free agents often have success in the NFL. All they needed was an opportunity. Such is the case with Graham. He finally got his and didn’t waste it. Now he has a chance to put himself in a premium spot with a strong finish to this season.
