When it comes to NFL draft reactions, nobody can hold a candle to Thomas Graham. The Oregon cornerback had languished through the first five rounds with little word on if teams were even interested. It was shocking to him. Though he’d chosen to opt out in 2020 over COVID-19 concerns, his play the previous three years should’ve had him among the best defensive backs in the Pac-12.
As the 6th round neared its end, he was ready to despair. That is when his phone rang. It was Matt Nagy. The Chicago Bears head coach asked how his day was going. “Long…frustrating,” Graham replied. Nagy couldn’t hide the smile in his voice as he said with mock incredulity that he’d just been drafted. The reaction over the phone was priceless. Pure, unshackled joy. When the video came out a bit later, it was even better.
That is what the draft is all about.
Weeks later, Graham is swiftly acclimating to his new environment on the Bears defense. He seems overjoyed. Not just because he was selected but because he goes to a team that is running a system under Sean Desai he is so familiar with. In the end, things may have happened just as they were supposed to. The rookie had a chance to open up about that unforgettable moment and where his thoughts were at to Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com.
When Thomas Graham Jr. was still on the board at the beginning of the sixth round of the NFL Draft, the cornerback from Oregon switched his television to another channel.
“I did get away from the TV after the fifth round,” said Graham, who was watching the draft at an Airbnb in Newport Beach, Calif. “My parents called me and they just said, ‘We believe in you just as much as you believe in yourself. Your name is going to get called. When it is, take advantage of that opportunity.'”
This is a common occurrence for many young players. Once the draft reaches a certain point, they can’t bear to watch anymore. Can’t stand the idea of going undrafted, feeling they failed their family and friends in some way. It is an emotional slog. Yet it all worked out. Graham not only got drafted but is headed for a rookie deal that will pay him over $3.6 million.
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Thomas Graham shouldn’t have a hard time seeing action
He arrives at an opportune time. Right when the Bears defense is undergoing a bit of a transition period. Especially in the secondary. Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine were both released this offseason. This opens up the cornerback position to a lot of uncertainty. A perfect scenario for a young rookie to step in and compete for the job. It’s not like the team has any clear-cut replacements in line for either man.
Thomas Graham has every reason to believe he can contribute immediately. He was a constant pest for opposing offenses in college. Between 2017 and 2019, he collected eight interceptions and had a further 32 passes defended. His mixture of quickness and instincts made it difficult to avoid him as he always seemed to know where the ball was going. If he ends up adapting to the new system quickly? He’ll get on the field.
The competition figures to be strong though.
A number of other players on the roster will try to stop him. Duke Shelley, the Bears’ 6th round pick from 2019 was the one who replaced Skrine last season. He’ll be joined in the competition by their 5th round pick from last year, Kindle Vildor. It will come down to which of them make the biggest impression both in training camp and the preseason. With a new coaching staff in place, the position is likely wide open.
