Thomas Graham Jr. Proved Again Nagy's Staff Can't Evaluate Talent

GM Ryan Pace deserves criticism for a lot of his roster decisions over the past few years. However, his biggest mistake is proving to be the hiring of Matt Nagy as head coach. Not just because the guy struggles with basic things like crafting game plans and managing in-game situations. Perhaps one of the most overlooked weaknesses of this entire staff is their inability to evaluate the talent on their own roster. The latest example is Thomas Graham Jr. Let's rewind. The Bears made him one of their 6th round picks in the 2021 NFL draft. Many evaluators at the time felt the Oregon cornerback might be a steal. Somebody that probably would've gone earlier if he hadn't opted out in 2020 due to COVID. He then followed it up with some nice flashes in the preseason. One would've thought he earned an opportunity to at least be on the main roster.

Instead, the Bears cut him.

For the next 14 weeks, the rookie would remain on the practice squad. Despite injuries and a COVID outbreak slamming the Bears' defense throughout the regular season, the team steadfastly refused to give Graham an opportunity. Only after their entire starting secondary ended up on the COVID list did he finally get the call. Then in his first game, on national TV, the rookie had an excellent performance including three pass deflections against one of the best aerial attacks in the NFL. He instantly became one of the most active and effective corners on that defense this season. The fact it took the coaches 15 weeks and a viral outbreak to finally give him a chance is damning. Another sign that the man was never equipped to handle the job. To say nothing of his laughable handling of the offense for the past four years. This madness has to stop.

Thomas Graham should get plenty of opportunities moving forward

It's not like any of the cornerbacks outside of Jaylon Johnson were doing much this year anyway. Duke Shelley? Artie Burns? Neither stood out in a good way. This kid barely logged any time in the preseason, came in cold after 15 weeks on the practice squad, and made multiple plays on the football. That is more than enough to get him additional looks over the final three games. Especially with the Bears no longer able to make the playoffs. Maybe Thomas Graham Jr. can build on this initial success and gain some momentum going into 2022. Who knows. Perhaps the Bears defense has another young talent they can build around moving forward. Johnson and Roquan Smith are already in place. Graham no doubt would love to be mentioned in that same category.

The final three games will be a great audition.

It's a shame it took this long for him to get a shot. Maybe some of the tough games the secondary had over the past few months might've been different had the rookie played sooner. It doesn't matter anymore. The only thing left is looking to the future. Graham may have a bright one if this initial impression isn't a mirage.