After cutting Kyle Fuller the Chicago Bears were very likely to draft a cornerback. The question was when with so many other needs. Fortunately for the Chicago Bears, they were able to find Thomas Graham in the sixth round, who will compete to earn a roster spot.Graham opted out last season so he flew under the radar as a draft prospect. Did the Chicago Bears find a steal? Here are five stats to know.
5. Started As a True Freshman
Thomas Graham opted out of what would have been his senior season. However, this is a player with 39 career starts. That is because he jumped onto the field as a true freshman and started every game.
That is three straight years of never missing a start at cornerback. You can hold the 2020 year against him, but I think everyone in this country is okay with throwing out the year. Especially in the PAC-12, where the season was delayed much longer than other leagues, it had to be hard for Thomas Graham to decide what to do.
Considering it was such a tough decision, it is fair to say that Thomas Graham started every game of his college career. That is over 2,600 career snaps. That says something.
When you play as a true freshman, you are typically stepping on a field against players older and physically more mature than you. His ability to jump in seamless may make the transition to the NFL more relatable for him.