Chicago Bears: Bold predictions for 2021 NFL Draft picks

Bold predictions for Chicago Bears rookies Thomas Graham and Khyiris Tonga

Thomas Graham Jr. will win the starting slot job

The Bears chose to cut ties with former starting slot cornerback Buster Skrine and did not immediately sign a replacement. For a while, it seemed as though they could roll with former sixth-round pick Duke Shelley. That is until they drafted Thomas Graham Jr. in the sixth round this year.

Graham is no ordinary sixth-round pick. He is extremely versatile and a total ball hawk, coming up with 28 passes defended over his last two seasons. With Shelley’s lack of size and Graham’s potential as a much more physical player as well, he should be able to win the job in training camp.

Khyiris Tonga will play 15 percent of defensive snaps

When starting nose tackle Eddie Goldman is healthy, he rarely comes off the field. Goldman is a staple in the Bears’ run defense and last year showed that more than ever. After taking the 2020 season off, though, Goldman may come back needing a little more rest than normal to begin with.

Taking a full season off, especially as a lineman, can be difficult in terms of staying in football shape. Goldman likely worked out consistently throughout the past year, but that’s nothing like being in “football” shape. Because of that, the seventh-round rookie Tonga could end up playing a bit in his first year — specifically, roughly 15 percent of all defensive snaps.