Chicago Bears 2021 NFL Draft grades and analysis for every pick

Chicago Bears Round 6, Pick No. 228

And the Bears finally addressed defense! The Bears added a prospect that many had in their top 100 rankings in cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. Graham is an experienced corner who opted out of the 2020 season.

As a true freshman starter, Graham showcased his abilities early and continued to do it every year at Oregon starting all but one game in his college career. He’s very good at tracking and attacking the football in the air. Graham is additionally very sticky in coverage and has experience in both man and zone, but projects as mainly a zone cornerback. He needs to clean up some of his work though.

Graham is some nice added depth to a cornerback room that lost Kyle Fuller this offseason. With Fuller gone, the Bears brought Artie Burns back and added Desmond Trufant. Trufant and Jaylon Johnson can prove to be a formidable duo, but they both have their injury history. Graham will compete with Kindle Vildor, Tre Roberson, and Burns for backup time.

Grade: A-

Once again, the Bears got a highly-touted prospect late. They probably should’ve addressed defense earlier, but it’s okay as their offense was clearly their weakness.