Thomas Graham Jr. could still factor in Bears’ secondary in 2022

When the Chicago Bears selected cornerback Kyler Gordon in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, it appeared any opportunity for Thomas Graham Jr. to play a significant role in the secondary this season was lost.

A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Graham’s hot finish to his rookie year had his arrow pointing up. But the Bears signed veteran Tavon Young in free agency, who brings a reputation as one of the league’s better slot cornerbacks to the roster. With Young expected to fill that role and Gordon locked in as a starter opposite Jaylon Johnson, Graham could be facing an odd-man-out scenario.

But we’ve been here before, haven’t we? Graham was overlooked by former coach Matt Nagy’s staff and stashed on the Bears’ practice squad for most of his rookie season. He didn’t make his first start until Week 15, but he immediately became one of Chicago’s promising young defenders. He was an afterthought, much like he is right now, until that breakout performance.

However, it’s too soon to give up on Graham’s potential in coach Matt Eberflus’ defense. And he’s already proving to be a worthy contender for significant reps in the Bears’ revamped secondary. This week, cornerbacks coach James Rowe said that there’s a competition for the nickel corner role, and Graham is squarely in the mix.

“I love him, you know. He puts in extra time,” Rowe said of Graham. “He comes up and meets with David Overstreet, who coaches our nickels mostly. He comes up and meets up with him every morning at 7 a.m. Very smart player. He is able to handle the workload outside and inside. He is intent on being good, and we love what we see from him so far.”

Thomas Graham Jr. was Bears’ best defensive back in 2021

Graham finished the 2021 season as the Bears’ highest-graded defender, per Pro Football Focus. However, it’s a somewhat skewed result since Graham only logged 112 snaps. Still, his 90.6 coverage grade was the high watermark for Chicago and an elite score on PFF’s scale.

“There is some great competition right there,” Rowe said of the Bears’ nickel back. “Some great players there. Each of them have a little bit different things that make them special, so I’m excited to see how that turns out for us.”

It will be a massive win for the Bears if Graham takes hold of that job. A starting secondary of Johnson, Gordon, and Graham would provide Chicago with two players (Gordon and Graham) in the first or second years of their rookie contracts. With Johnson entering his third season and closing in on a second contract, the Bears could make a business decision and keep the cheaper options after the 2023 season if they make Johnson expendable.

Johnson lined up with the second team during OTAs this week, and while Eberflus said not much should be interpreted from that, it’s still noteworthy. Superstars never line up with the second team, regardless of their attendance at voluntary camps. Johnson isn’t getting the superstar treatment from the Bears’ new coaching staff, which indicates a meritocracy is coming to Chicago’s secondary.

If Graham proves to be one of the Bears’ top three cornerbacks, he’ll earn playing time, and he could emerge as a surprise starter.