Packers meet virtually with Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr.

The Packers have met virtually with Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr., a prospect in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers are doing their homework on a cornerback prospect in the 2021 NFL draft.

According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Packers met virtually with Oregon cornerback Thomas Graham Jr, a two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection.

Graham opted out of the 2020 season. During his first three collegiate seasons (2017-19), Graham produced eight interceptions, 32 pass breakups and 10.5 tackles for losses. He started the final 39 games of his career before opting out in 2020.

The Packers will likely reinvest in cornerback this offseason, especially during the draft. Kevin King is a free agent, Chandon Sullivan had an up-and-down first season as the slot cornerback and Josh Jackson hasn’t been a useful contributor in two years.

From The Draft Network’s profile of Graham:

Thomas Graham has average reactive athleticism, as evidenced in his agility and overall quickness. He is a willing tackler in the run game and has shown the ability to be a wrap-up tackler against the run. When he is the force player, he does a good job getting the runner on the ground. In the passing game, he plays with good technique. Because he lacks top-end speed and short-area agility, his good technique helps him open his hips on time and get to the football. He has excellent timing and ball skills and is extremely competitive at the catch point.

Graham could be an option in the 2021 draft as the Packers attempt to refill the depth at cornerback.

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Packers meet virtually with Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr.

The Packers have met virtually with Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr., a prospect in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers are doing their homework on a cornerback prospect in the 2021 NFL draft.

According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the Packers met virtually with Oregon cornerback Thomas Graham Jr, a two-time All-Pac-12 Conference selection.

Graham opted out of the 2020 season. During his first three collegiate seasons (2017-19), Graham produced eight interceptions, 32 pass breakups and 10.5 tackles for losses. He started the final 39 games of his career before opting out in 2020.

The Packers will likely reinvest in cornerback this offseason, especially during the draft. Kevin King is a free agent, Chandon Sullivan had an up-and-down first season as the slot cornerback and Josh Jackson hasn’t been a useful contributor in two years.

From The Draft Network’s profile of Graham:

Thomas Graham has average reactive athleticism, as evidenced in his agility and overall quickness. He is a willing tackler in the run game and has shown the ability to be a wrap-up tackler against the run. When he is the force player, he does a good job getting the runner on the ground. In the passing game, he plays with good technique. Because he lacks top-end speed and short-area agility, his good technique helps him open his hips on time and get to the football. He has excellent timing and ball skills and is extremely competitive at the catch point.

Graham could be an option in the 2021 draft as the Packers attempt to refill the depth at cornerback.

[lawrence-related id=56139,56084,56045,56031]

Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr. met Saints for virtual interview

The New Orleans Saints held a virtual interview with Oregon CB Thomas Graham Jr., a mid-round prospect in the 2021 NFL draft.

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Add another name to the list of 2021 draft prospect interviews for the New Orleans Saints. The Draft Network’s Justin Melo reports that the team held a virtual meeting with Oregon cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. having previously met him at the Senior Bowl, and Graham’s been busy — he’s recently spoken with the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots, in addition to the Saints.

Graham entered the 2020 season leading the nation’s active players in career passes defensed (32, with 8 interceptions) but opted out amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the PAC-12’s delayed start. He’s known as a technically-sound player with plenty of experience starting outside, though he doesn’t bring much versatility as an option to cover the slot. He also pushes the limits of the Saints’ physical thresholds at 5-foot-10 and 193 pounds, with 31-inch arms.

He could make up for those limitations by testing well at Oregon’s pro day, but it’s probably going to weigh into New Orleans’ evaluation regardless. The lack of facilities visits this year means the Saints won’t be able to spend as much time with Graham and other prospects as usual, so they’re working with less information. At this point in the draft process, Graham is projected to be a mid-round pick.

Still, the Saints haven’t been shy about scouting Oregon before. They kept a close eye on future Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert during his senior season and signed three of Graham’s teammates after the 2020 draft: defensive end Gus Cumberlander; offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton, who spent the year on New Orleans’ practice squad; and wide receiver Juwan Johnson, who totaled 182 snaps on offense in seven games. Maybe they like Graham even more than that trio.

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