Tag: Thomas Graham Jr.

Ranking the Bears rookie class heading into final preseason game

Through two weeks of preseason, here’s how the Bears rookie class has performed.

With two weeks of preseason in the books, there’s plenty to like about the Chicago Bears rookie class.

There’s been plenty of opportunities for young players to make an impact, and we’ve seen that with a few, notably quarterback Justin Fields and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga.

With a bulk of starters likely to sit out Saturday’s preseason finale against the Titans, it’ll provide even more opportunities for these rookies to make a lasting impression heading into the final round of roster cuts next Tuesday.

Here’s a look at how Chicago’s rookie class ranks through the first two preseason games:

6 most intriguing Bears rookies to watch during training camp

There’s a ton of excitement surrounding the Bears’ 2021 rookie class. Here are the most intriguing rookies to watch at training camp.

There’s a ton of excitement surrounding the Chicago Bears’ 2021 rookie class, which is headlined by quarterback Justin Fields and offensive tackle Teven Jenkins.

While general manager Ryan Pace has made questionable decisions this offseason, the 2021 NFL draft was the highlight of his offseason and arguably the best draft of his seven-year tenure, at least on paper.

As the Bears prepare for training camp later this month, this class of rookies has a lot to prove and learn ahead of some valuable preseason action in August.

Here’s a look at the six most intriguing Bears rookies to watch during training camp:

Bears QB Justin Fields isn’t afraid to talk a little smack on the field

While Bears rookie QB Justin Fields doesn’t seem like someone who is a talker, he’s not afraid to talk a little smack if needed.

It’s fair to assume Bears rookie quarterback Justin Fields has a chip on his shoulder after he was the fourth quarterback selected in the 2021 NFL draft. And there’s little doubt that Fields is going to use that to motivate him as he begins his NFL career.

While Fields doesn’t seem like someone who is a talker, given he’s the type to keep his head down and get his work done, he’s not afraid to talk a little smack if needed.

That’s the lesson fellow rookie cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. learned this offseason. Graham appeared on the Kieq On The Mic podcast, where he explained how, after talking a little smack, that Fields wasn’t afraid to give it right back to him.

“I really haven’t had a quarterback that talks mess back,” Graham said on the podcast. “We be talking mess to each other and he’d respond back. I love that he embraces the competition.”

Graham went on to discuss how Fields’ confidence is his best quality, which has been evident in how he carries himself was “a swagger” that you want in your franchise quarterback.

Fields’ willingness to learn and listen is something that’s also stood out, as is his desire to make everyone around him better. Graham noted that Fields’ skill level is something that’s not in question, especially given that comes with the territory of being drafted 11th overall.

While Matt Nagy doesn’t appear to be giving Fields the opportunity to win the starting job in training camp, it doesn’t feel like Bears fans will have to wait too long before they get a look at their hopeful franchise quarterback.

You can watch the entire interview with Graham below:

https://youtu.be/KrEU25-d4_Y

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Thomas Graham Jr. dubbed Bears’ most intriguing project player

Bleacher Report believes CB Thomas Graham Jr. has a good chance of becoming a solid player for the Bears down the line.

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While it’s too early to judge the 2021 Bears rookie class, general manager Ryan Pace was praised for what could wind up being one of his best draft classes in his seven-year tenure. And it goes beyond top selections quarterback Justin Fields and offensive tackle Teven Jenkins.

Bleacher Report examined the most intriguing project player for each of the 32 teams. And while someone like Fields or Jenkins might seem like easy picks, B/R looked to the sixth round with cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., who could wind up being a steal for GM Ryan Pace down the road.

No player selected that low is expected to make a difference early, and Graham sits behind Jaylon Johnson, Desmond Trufant and Artie Burns on the cornerback depth chart in Chicago.

But Graham could outperform his draft status down the line. He balled as a three-year starter at Oregon before opting out in 2020. While he’s far from a speed demon, he possesses the instincts, the toughness and the technique to shine.

Graham will get a chance to compete early for a starting job with a pair of vacancies open at outside corner opposite Jaylon Johnson and slot corner with the departure of Buster Skrine.

During rookie minicamp, Graham said that he was told to learn both positions — outside and slot — which would not only bring some versatility but give him a chance to earn a starting role.

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Former Duck Thomas Graham Jr. is making an early impression with the Chicago Bears

The Bears took a late-round flier on Thomas Graham Jr., but he is making an early run at the starting slot CB position in Chicago.

The Chicago Bears took a late-round flier on former Oregon Ducks cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., grabbing him with the 228th pick in the 2021 NFL draft, but they seem to be happy with their selection so far.

After having an incredibly solid career in Eugene and standing as one of the best cornerbacks in the Pac-12 conference, Graham is making a strong impression in the Windy City throughout minicamp thus far. So much so that his position coach recently remarked that the rookie has a real chance to earn the starting job in the slot cornerback position starting in his rookie season.

Graham opted out of the 2020 season, which arguably hurt his draft stock a little bit, but the numbers he put up before that were pretty remarkable. In three years with the Ducks, he had a total of 8 interceptions and 32 pass break-ups.

Starting as a rookie would be no surprise for Graham, who was thrown into the mix early on at Oregon, as well, starting 12 of his first 13 games as a freshman.

As the summer rolls along and we get into training camp, keep an eye on what Graham can do with the Bears, and hope that they will trust him enough to throw him onto the field in Week 1.

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Bears’ most exciting roster competitions heading into summer

Let’s take a look at the Bears’ most exciting position battles to watch heading into training camp.

The Chicago Bears have several starting jobs up for grabs this offseason during what’s sure to be an entertaining offseason. And while jobs won’t be won or lost during Organized Team Activities, which kick off Tuesday, it’s the start of what’s going to be an important training camp and preseason for a number of players.

That are several position battles that are likely to capture attention, both on offense and defense. Not only are there starting spots up for grabs, but roster spots, which is likely to leave some players without a job when all is said and done.

Let’s take a look at the four most exciting roster competitions to watch heading into training camp.

LOOK: Bears 2021 draft class assembles at rookie minicamp

The Bears’ entire 2021 draft class was present and ready to get to work as rookie minicamp kicked off at Halas Hall.

Arguably the most anticipated rookie minicamp in recent memory officially kicked off on Friday for the Chicago Bears. Though much of the focus was on their prized first-round quarterback Justin Fields, the entire 2021 draft class was present and ready to get to work as we inch closer to the start of the season.

Offensive tackle Teven Jenkins, running back Khalil Herbert, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, cornerback Thomas Graham Jr., wide receiver Dazz Newsome, offensive tackle Larry Borom and Fields (pictured left to right below) all got together for a photo during practice.

A number of undrafted free agents joined the seven draft picks for practice for the three-day camp. Fields and Jenkins spoke to the media following practice on Friday and talked about how the city as embraced them over the last couple of weeks.

“It’s awesome, from the get-go I could just tell the love from the Bears fans and how passionate our fans are,” Fields said.

Jenkins shared similar thoughts. “I’m having a lot of good times with Bears fans, especially on Twitter.”

Fans will hopefully get more looks at the entire class later in the offseason when training camp begins, but there’s certainly a lot of buzz surrounding these seven rookies.

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WATCH: The emotional reaction when Thomas Graham Jr. learned he was going to be a Bear

See the moment when Thomas Graham got the call from Matt Nagy, where he learned he was going to be a Bear and the excitement that followed.

The Chicago Bears spent their first four picks in the 2021 NFL draft addressing offensive needs, including quarterback and offensive tackle. Their first defensive pick didn’t come until the sixth round when they selected Oregon cornerback Thomas Graham Jr.

Graham was one of the best cornerbacks in the league before he opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns, and you have to wonder if that affected his draft stock. Pro Football Focus even had Graham ranked as the 76th-best prospect in the entire draft. And the Bears got him with the 228th overall pick.

One of the roster needs heading into the draft was at the cornerback position following the release of Kyle Fuller. While the Bears didn’t address cornerback with a high pick, the addition of Graham brings much-needed depth to the position.

See the moment when Graham got the call from Bears head coach Matt Nagy, where he learned he was going to be a Bear and Graham and his family’s reaction to the news.

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2021 NFL draft grades: Experts are loving what the Bears did

Here’s a collection of all of the grades for the Bears’ 2021 draft class, and most experts believe Chicago won this draft.

The 2021 NFL draft is officially in the books, and the Chicago Bears came out of it with some great prospects, including their potential franchise quarterback in Justin Fields.

General manager Ryan Pace was praised for his selections of Fields and offensive tackle Teven Jenkins in the first two rounds, and Pace finished off Day 3 with some great value picks that have experts everywhere singing his praises.

Here’s a collection of all of the grades for the Bears’ draft class from various sports outlets and, spoiler alert, everyone thinks Chicago won this draft.

Grading each of the Bears’ 7 picks from 2021 NFL draft

Here’s a round-up of all of our grades for each of the Bears’ seven selections in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Chicago Bears welcomed seven new players to their roster this weekend during the 2021 NFL draft, including two of the top prospects in the draft class in quarterback Justin Fields and offensive tackle Teven Jenkins.

While it’s far too early to start evaluating this draft class before they’ve even hit the field, it’s fair to wonder if, down the line, we might be looking back at this 2021 draft class as Bears GM Ryan Pace’s best.

Here’s a round-up of all of our grades for each of the Bears’ seven selections in the 2021 NFL draft.