Thomas Graham Jr. was just overjoyed to be drafted last month by the Chicago Bears. He was afraid it might not happen after falling through the first five rounds. It almost happened in the 6th too. Then on the final pick of that round, the Bears called him to say he’d be joining their defense. The explosion relief and celebration was one of the best highlights of the entire three-day weekend.
What Graham didn’t know was the kind of situation he was stepping into. One with a lot of transition happening on the defensive side. Not only had the Bears released two of their starting cornerbacks from 2020. They also saw their defensive coordinator in Chuck Pagano retire. That paved the way for Sean Desai, their safeties coach, to receive a promotion into that spot. A move applauded by a number of former players who know him well.
Graham has quickly joined them in that praise.
In just the couple of weeks since joining the team, it appears Desai has made a strong first impression on the young defensive back. Appearing in front of the media on Sunday, Graham was asked what it was like to work with the new defensive coordinator. By the sound of things, the rookie feels like he’s right where he belongs.
The man he is referencing in the video is Jim Leavitt who held the job of Oregon defensive coordinator in 2017 and 2018. Graham’s first two seasons there. They were also his most productive with three interceptions in each of those years. His 2018 run was particularly impressive, defending an additional 18 passes. Leavitt is widely known for his 3-4 defensive alignment. Something that has brought him much success in the college ranks. He also worked under Vic Fangio for four seasons in San Francisco from 2011 to 2014. So it’s little wonder Graham instantly recognized the scheme.
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Thomas Graham could be a sleeper threat this summer
One of the primary spots with no definitive starter on defense is nickel corner. Buster Skrine vacated it after being released. Most would assume former 6th rounder Duke Shelley will take over the job after being Skrine’s primary backup last season. However, his uneven performances during that time leave more than a sizable window open for somebody to swoop in and take the job.
Thomas Graham is more than equipped to do so. His mixture of quickness, physicality, and instincts are perfectly suited for that position. The fact Desai runs a scheme he is plenty familiar with already will only felt streamline the process. It wouldn’t be a shock if he ends up starting alongside Jaylon Johnson and Desmond Trufant on opening night in Los Angeles. Remember this is a defense that had no issue starting an undrafted free agent in Bryce Callahan back in 2015.
Graham can follow the same path.
Draft experts were convinced the Bears got something of value in him. If he hadn’t sat out the 2020 season due to COVID, most believe he’d have gone much earlier than the 6th round. It will be on him to prove them right. The fact he loves the scheme being employed by the defensive coordinator is never a bad sign.