3 Chicago Bears players who will take the next step in 2022

2. Thomas Graham Jr., Defensive back

If Monday night is any indication of what we can expect to see in the years to come, then the Chicago Bears may have found themselves a steal in Thomas Graham Jr. It would have been easy to put Roquan Smith and Jaylon Johnson in this role, but both have proven themselves, and both will be extended by this team very soon.

Graham, barely having signed his rookie contract, was thrust into action in primetime due to COVID issues. After seeing him play, why did he initially get elevated to the active roster? But that is another subject for another day. For now, the goal should be to develop Graham into a quality player, and thankfully, he has the traits to be that player.

Though he is not very tall, he makes up for it with aggression and physicality. Also, he is not afraid to make plays in the running game.

Most corners are strictly focused on intercepting passes and taking them to the house. Graham is like that, but he also wants to send a message that he is not afraid to get down in the dirt and play physically. Graham has a long way to go, but his ceiling is high.