Windy City Gridiron - Chicago Bears 2021 Draft Pick and Trade Tracker A Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2021-05-06T15:12:24-05:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/221726982021-05-06T15:12:24-05:002021-05-06T15:12:24-05:00Justin F1ELDS brings HOPE as Da Bears QB1
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<p>BreakingT has FOUR new designs for Chicago Bears’ fans to choose from, their Justin Fields “Hope,” their Fields “QB1,” the old school feel of “Da Fields,” and their latest “F1ELDS,” so which one do you like better?</p> <h3 id="nPc63H">IT’S <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/9/22/22688141/chicago-bears-justin-fields-named-starter-matt-nagy-andy-dalton-cleveland-browns-nfl-2021">OFFICIAL</a>, THE BEARS HAVE NAMED JUSTIN FIELDS THEIR QB1!</h3>
<p id="80E6ki">With the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> trading up for quarterback Justin Fields, there’s a buzz around the city and among Bears’ fans that I don’t think we’ve felt in quite some time. This is the highest we’ve been as a fanbase since right before that final errant field goal during the 2018 wildcard playoff game. </p>
<p id="rDerzl">But now after the Bears traded up to the 11th overall pick for the uber-talented Fields, our hope in the franchise has been renewed. </p>
<p id="19MUyP">And now you can show your support for the Bears and for Justin Fields by picking up this fresh looking logo on a t-shirt or hoodie from <a href="https://breakingt.com/products/fields?rfsn=794434.5245ac" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">BreakingT by clicking right here</a>. </p>
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<p id="eElit0">All their apparel comes in youth sizes and in adult sizes ranging from S to XXXL.</p>
<p id="R1CAgM"><strong>UPDATE:</strong> BreakingT just dropped their latest Justin Fields QB1 design (as seen below), which you can pick up <a href="https://breakingt.com/products/justin-fields-qb1?rfsn=794434.5245ac" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">right here</a>. </p>
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<h4 id="DJlJA9">Get your Justin Fields Bears t-shirt or hoodie before they’re sold out!</h4>
<p id="pGl7mn"><em>BreakingT also has a special line of apparel featuring several members of the </em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft"><em>2021 NFL Draft</em></a><em> class, with designs that are officially licensed by the NFLPA, and you can check </em><a href="https://breakingt.com/collections/nflpa?rfsn=794434.5245ac" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><em>all those out right here</em></a><em>. </em> </p>
<p id="wRuNYO"><strong>UPDATE #2: </strong>BreakingT has a third Justin Fields design for Bears fans, and this one has an old school feel, and you can get it <a href="https://breakingt.com/products/daaaa-fields?rfsn=794434.5245ac" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">right here... Daaaa Fields!</a> </p>
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<p id="UpdhUT"><strong>UPDATE #3:</strong> BreakingT is now up to 4 designs for Justin Fields, so you can get a <em>F1ELDS</em> in the classic Bears GSH sleeve stripe as seen in the header pic above. </p>
<p id="Lwa1Ih">You can get that one by clicking <a href="https://breakingt.com/products/f1elds?rfsn=794434.5245ac" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">right here</a>. </p>
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<p id="sifxMr">The Bears also announced that Fields will wear jersey number one, so if you want to pick up a Navy and Orange #1 you can do so right here from <a href="https://fanatics.ncw6.net/c/482924/1032807/9663?subId1=WindyCityGridiron&subId2=NFL&subId3=042821&sharedid=SBNation&u=https%3A%2F%2Ffanatics.com%2Fp-4301162" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Fanatics</a>. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Get your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> Justin Fields <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFL</a> Jersey right here <a href="https://t.co/GLX6fwswZT">https://t.co/GLX6fwswZT</a></p>— Windy City Gridiron (@WCGridiron) <a href="https://twitter.com/WCGridiron/status/1387947070959587333?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a>
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<p id="s6F1hO"><em>For more on the Justin Fields selection, give Robert Schmitz a listen on his Bear With Me podcast as he’s joined by Jacob Infante, EJ Snyder, and Danny Meehan to break down the pick. </em></p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/29/22411237/chicago-bears-justin-fields-brings-hope-the-windy-city-ohio-state-nfl-draft-apparel-t-shirt-hoodieLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2021-05-04T18:23:04-05:002021-05-04T18:23:04-05:00Chicago Bears 2021 Draft Class Recap Podcasts
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<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Each pick the Chicago Bears made in the 2021 NFL Draft received a podcast review episode breaking down the player, plus we wrapped up the entire class in our latest podcast on the WCG channel. </p> <p id="N5SfOC">After every pick the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> make in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a>, Robert Schmitz will be recording a fresh episode of his Bear With Me Podcast to break down the player, his fit with the Bears, and some general thoughts on the selection overall. </p>
<p id="cPhrFd">Robert will be getting some help from our Lead Draft Analyst, Jacob Infante, who is also a writer at USA Today’s Draft Wire and a cohost of our LunchPail Draftcast. They’ll also be joined by EJ Snyder, who is our Senior Draft Analyst, co-host of the Bears Over Beers podcast, and the Co-Creator of Bootleg Football. And also helping Robert out this year will be one of his co-hosts on our Rule of 3 podcast, Danny Meehan, who has also been doing double podcast duty with Jacob on their LunchPail Draftcast. </p>
<p id="zdebUp"><em><strong>One more EDIT:</strong></em><em> Our ‘Rule of 3’ crew had a substitution this week, so check out usual hosts Robert Schmitz and Brandon Robinson, as they’re joined by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. to give their thoughts on the #Bears 2021 draft class, but they also get into some o-line discussion as well.</em></p>
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<p id="1M63DN"><em><strong>EDIT: We had a special crossover episode with Bill Zimmerman’s Bears Banter podcast being joined by our Bears Over Beers crew of Jeff Berckes and EJ Snyder to recap the entire 2021 NFL Draft for the Bears. </strong></em></p>
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<h4 id="hzCB1w"><strong>You can learn more about each player the Bears picked in the Bear With Me individual rookie podcasts below. </strong></h4>
<h3 id="ZR77KG">Seventh round, Khyiris Tonga, DT, <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a>
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<h3 id="SsBkNP">Sixth round, Thomas Graham, CB, Oregon</h3>
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<h3 id="pYWE0w">Sixth round, Dazz Newsome, North Carolina </h3>
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<h3 id="63KwRk">Sixth round, Khalil Herbert, RB, <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a>
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<h3 id="LRMtlw">Fifth round, Larry Borom, OL, Missouri</h3>
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<h3 id="PIVZM2">Second round: Teven Jenkins, OT, <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com">Oklahoma State</a>
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<p id="X8N17S"><em>Robert Schmitz was a guest on SB Nation’s first-round livestream last night, and he was on the air when the Bears made the trade up and then made the pick of Justin Fields. His immediate reaction and analysis of the pick is priceless.</em></p>
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<h3 id="qaynWm">First round: Justin Fields, QB, <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out <a href="https://twitter.com/robertkschmitz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@robertkschmitz</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SBNation</a>’s live <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NFLDraft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NFLDraft</a> show when the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> made the trade and then made the Justin Fields pick! <br> ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/CqQet8bI7m">pic.twitter.com/CqQet8bI7m</a></p>— Windy City Gridiron (@WCGridiron) <a href="https://twitter.com/WCGridiron/status/1388203254899781632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2021</a>
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<p id="gpUekB">Our <a href="https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/show/windy-city-gridiron"><strong>Windy City Gridiron Podcast Channel</strong></a> includes <em><strong>Bear With Me</strong></em> from Robert Schmitz, <em><strong>Bears Over Beers</strong></em> featuring Jeff Berckes & EJ Snyder, <em><strong>Bears Banter</strong></em> hosted by Bill Zimmerman, <em><strong>Rule of 3</strong></em> with R. Schmitz, Danny Meehan, and Brandon Robinson, the <em><strong>LunchPail DraftCast</strong></em> with D. Meehan and Jacob Infante, and the occasional <em><strong>T Formation Conversation</strong></em> from Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.; EJ also co-hosts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWSxLqyVmZ2b8LDNMucX3uw"><em><strong>The Bootleg Football Podcast</strong></em></a> with Brett Kollmann; R. Schmitz has a film breakdown show on YouTube titled <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMXAZtZvYznksYB2z5cMDjA"><em><strong>Run Pass Opinion</strong></em></a>; Will Robinson II has his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQBRBUx8mG5z1F1r9sN-zxQ"><em><strong>WhiskeyRanger</strong></em></a><strong> </strong>YouTube channel, and <em><strong>Steven’s Streaming</strong></em><strong> </strong><a href="https://www.twitch.tv/sjs_illini"><em><strong>Twitch</strong></em></a><em><strong> Channel</strong></em> from Steven Schweickert.</p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/29/22404143/chicago-bears-2021-nfl-draft-class-podcast-radio-audio-rookie-ryan-pace-trade-nagy-justin-fieldsLester A. Wiltfong Jr.Robert SchmitzEd SnyderJacob Infante2021-05-02T17:13:19-05:002021-05-02T17:13:19-05:00Chicago Bears Draft 2021: Grading each individual pick
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: NOV 23 Oklahoma State at West Virginia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ImKWrHC5BmhKwIQbsMKNuh1z5BQ=/313x424:3289x2408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69224428/1184289497.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We check on the letter grade for all 7 Chicago Bears draft picks. </p> <p id="h4838M">After the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> made each of their selections in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a>, WCG posted an immediate article on the pick which included a poll asking our readers to give us their grade for the pick. While the polls are still technically open, thousands of you guys have already weighed in, so we wanted to share the results here today. </p>
<h1 id="ofMXqW">A</h1>
<p id="LdZTld">It should be no surprise, but you guys voted the top two picks the Bears made with the top grade. Even though Ryan Pace traded up for each player — overpaying a bit per Josh’s analytical breakdown — the talent Chicago received was too great to hurt the grade. </p>
<ul><li id="1YV3Dz">
<em>1st round, pick 11, 11th overall - Justin Fields, QB, </em><a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com"><em>Ohio State</em></a><em> (</em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/29/22403246/nfl-draft-results-2021-chicago-bears-trade-up-and-take-justin-fields-ohio-state-new-york-giants"><em>vote here</em></a><em>)</em>
</li></ul>
<p id="XJP3ac">I never thought the Bears would have the ammo to jump all the way up to 4 to get Fields, but Pace played the draft board brilliantly and pounced when he saw his chance at 11. Pace gets a draft re-do at the most important position in sports, but this time his pick has been praised by everyone. </p>
<p id="mHzw6H">The poll for Fields is at 71% in the A category right now, with B currently in second place with 16% of the vote. Josh’s trade breakdown can be <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/29/22411080/nfl-chicago-bears-grade-the-trade-moving-from-20-to-11-ryan-pace-overpaid-justin-fields-bet-the-farm">found here</a>.</p>
<p id="NHGW1d">Check out highlights from Pace’s press conference about Fields <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22410220/chicago-bears-2021-nfl-draft-ryan-pace-justin-fields-teven-jenkins-press-conference-andy-dalton-nagy">right here</a>.</p>
<aside id="MTl3Cw"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bears 2021 Draft: Justin Fields thinks he’s a perfect fit for Chicago","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/30/22411396/chicago-bears-2021-draft-justin-fields-thinks-he-a-perfect-fit-matt-nagy-ohio-state-nfl"}]}'></div></aside><ul><li id="vdzL9P">
<em>2nd round, pick 7, 29 overall - Teven Jenkins, OT, </em><a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com"><em>Oklahoma State</em></a><em> (</em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/30/22403258/nfl-draft-results-2021-chicago-bears-trade-up-draft-teven-jenkins-oklahoma-state"><em>vote here</em></a><em>)</em>
</li></ul>
<p id="yC2Pur">Considering many mock drafts had the Bears getting Jenkins at 20, the fact that they got him in the second round likely boosted your overall grade. The votes have this as the most popular pick by far with 81% at A and 14% at B. Josh breakdown the trade <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/30/22413187/nfl-chicago-bears-grade-trade-day-2-teven-jenkins-offensive-tackle-protect-justin-fields-ryan-pace">right here</a>. </p>
<p id="ijLn07">I love this pick. I would have loved this pick in the first round, so getting him in the second is great value, even with the trade up. </p>
<p id="7rgP8x">Here’s some of what Pace has to say about Jenkins in <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22414521/chicago-bears-2021-draft-ryan-pace-talks-teven-jenkins-justin-fields-oklahoma-state-offensive-line">his presser</a>. </p>
<aside id="VgGMiF"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"“I don’t care who you are,” Jenkins said in his press conference, “I’m going to attack you.”","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/30/22413499/chicago-bears-nfl-draft-teven-jenkins-plays-the-game-attack-mode-oklahoma-state-nasty-justin-fields"}]}'></div></aside><h1 id="f9jpKK">B</h1>
<ul><li id="6tKy0n">
<em>5th round, pick 7, 151 overall - Larry Borom, OL, Missouri (</em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403252/nfl-draft-results-2021-chicago-bears-take-larry-borom-in-the-5th-round-missouri-offensive-line"><em>vote here</em></a><em>)</em>
</li></ul>
<p id="KNG8YK">Borom is a guy I looked at some film on, as I had him going to the Bears in one of my <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/3/29/22345488/chicago-bears-7-round-bpa-nfl-mock-draft-dillon-radunz-caleb-farley-quintin-morris-ronnie-perkins">theme mocks</a>, and I wasn’t overly impressed with his upside. But after learning how much weight he dropped these last few months, and how dedicated he’s been to getting himself ready for the next level, he seems like a guy that could thrive now that professional football player is his full time gig. You guys have him with a solid B at 47%, with A at 25%, and C at 21%. </p>
<ul><li id="f7LLi0">
<em>7th round, pick 23, 250th overall - Khyiris Tonga, DL, </em><a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com"><em>BYU</em></a><em> (</em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403255/nfl-draft-results-2021-chicago-bears-take-byu-khyiris-tonga-in-the-7th-round-defensive-tackle"><em>vote here</em></a><em>)</em>
</li></ul>
<p id="4e4vN4">Tonga’s ability to play the nose makes this an intriguing pick, and d-line was a sneaky need for the Bears this offseason. There’s some obvious holes in his game, but you can’t teach size and strength and this kids has both. Right now you guys have this pick at 43% for B and 34% at A.</p>
<ul><li id="tV3mBe">
<em>6th round, pick 33, 217 overall - Khalil Herbert, RB, </em><a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/"><em>Virginia Tech</em></a><em> (</em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403253/nfl-draft-results-2021-chicago-bears-take-khalil-herbert-after-a-trade-back-seahawks-virginia-tech"><em>vote here</em></a><em>)</em>
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<p id="harFvX">After trading back with Seattle — Josh breaks down the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22414756/nfl-chicago-bears-draft-2021-grade-the-trade-day-3-trade-seahawks-not-russell-wilson-just-picks">trade here</a> — the Bears grabbed a shifty running back with some special teams ability, and that third phase experience that will give him an edge as he fights for a roster spot. Right nor Herbert has a solid B from you guys with 41% of the vote, but A (25%) and C (24%) and close for second place. </p>
<aside id="ztRQn5"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bears draft grade round up: How experts say Chicago did","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/2/22415240/chicago-bears-2021-nfl-draft-grades-round-up-experts-justin-fields-teven-jenkins-thomas-graham-jr"}]}'></div></aside><h1 id="jRwFjE"><s>C</s></h1>
<p id="GKUHbA"><em><strong>EDIT:</strong></em><em> As of May 4, the poll results for both Graham and Newsome have climbed up to a B grade. </em></p>
<ul><li id="gavQmB">
<em>Sixth round, pick 44, 228th overall - Thomas Graham, CB, Oregon (</em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403251/nfl-draft-results-2021-chicago-bears-take-thomas-graham-the-6th-round-oregon-corner-defensive-back"><em>vote here</em></a><em>)</em>
</li></ul>
<p id="l7YTjm">Like most of our fans I went with a C for this pick, but the more I dig into his tape the more I like what I see. His pro day wasn’t overly impressive, but Graham (and Newsome below) seem like guys that have football speed. Great instincts help you play faster between the lines and Graham’s knack for finding the ball makes his tape exciting. This vote is a C for now at 39%, but B is gaining at 35%. </p>
<ul><li id="1VoDfe">
<em>Sixth round, pick 37, 221st overall - Dazz Newsome, WR, North Carolina (</em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403254/nfl-draft-results-2021-chicago-bears-take-dazz-newsome-in-the-6th-round-north-carolina-wide-receiver"><em>vote here</em></a><em>)</em>
</li></ul>
<p id="Tz2M6b">I’m sure I inadvertently pushed some of the vote on Newsome down when I shared the spider graph of his pro day numbers, but like Graham above, Newsome’s playing speed looks nothing like a guy that was in the less that 25 percentile for all his speed and agility numbers. You guy shave his vote at 38% for C and 30% for B. </p>
<aside id="DDg6Wx"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Bears Draft 2021: Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy talk about their rookie class","url":"https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403250/chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2021-ryan-pace-matt-nagy-talk-rookie-class-justin-fields-teven-jenkins"}]}'></div></aside><p id="QH2J8c"></p>
<p id="uqnaTw"></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/2/22416247/chicago-bears-draft-2021-grade-pick-justin-fields-teven-jenkins-dazz-newsome-tonga-borom-herbert-nflLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2021-05-02T14:02:49-05:002021-05-02T14:02:49-05:00The analytics say the Chicago Bears had the best draft class in 2021
<figure>
<img alt="CFP Semifinal at the Allstate Sugar Bowl - Clemson v Ohio State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ahJuYm2dCDaDWuKYd0kQvVaA1e4=/0x0:3248x2165/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69223239/1294088618.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We’ll know the true value of this draft in a few years, but for now, the Chicago Bears’ 2021 class is the best according to the numbers. </p> <p id="E7mObq">The classic letter grade is a favorite way that analysts like to examine an <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> class immediately after a team’s class is finalized. It’s topical, it’s easy to understand, and it always creates a debate. </p>
<p id="WAfeCy">The analytical way that The Athletic’s Arif Hasan looks at the players picked paints a far better overall picture of the value each team receives from their class. Hasan uses his Consensus Big Board that he compiles every offseason which aggregates the boards from over 70 analysts in the media. </p>
<p id="CgvGa3">But considering the media boards often vary from what teams actually do, it was interesting to see how closely this year’s consensus came to hitting on the drafted prospects. </p>
<p id="FdrMMi">From his article titled, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F2561074%2F2021%2F05%2F02%2Fthe-consensus-big-board-ranks-the-2021-nfl-draft-classes-and-finds-the-biggest-steals-and-reaches%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2021%2F5%2F2%2F22416004%2Fnfl-draft-results-analytics-chicago-bears-best-class-rookies-2021-justin-fields-teven-jenkins-pace" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Consensus Big Board ranks the 2021 NFL Draft classes and finds the biggest steals and reaches</a>: </p>
<blockquote><p id="IfFKqO">An amazing 91.8 percent of the players drafted this year were in the top 300, a record number. No other year broke 90 percent, and most hover around 87 percent.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Ip1Vum">Sure the order of players ranked has some variance, but it’s still a damn good snapshot to show value, and no team got better value on their draft than the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>. </p>
<p id="INKa1u">From a purely Draft Capital standpoint, the Bears came into the draft with their picks ranked 24th overall. The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a>, who held the number one overall pick, sat atop that category. The Jags also took the top spot post draft when calculating their overall value, which makes sense considering where they were picking in each round, but when factoring in a return on investment, Jacksonville was way down the list at 30th out of 32. </p>
<p id="jrpCSW">But the Chicago Bears, who traded up twice in the first two rounds, used their 3rd, 5th, and 6th in those moves, then traded back get a 7th-rounder, came in at number one in net value and in return on investment (ROI). </p>
<p id="WXyqeh">The Bears had a top ranked 199.1% ROI, which is 28.7 points higher than number two, the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>. For some perspective the point differential between the 2nd place Broncos and the 19th place <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a> is 30.1.</p>
<p id="D9HaqW">“Fields is the biggest reason the Bears ended up with the highest return on investment, Hassan wrote, “but not the only reason. Had the draft stopped after the third round, the Bears would have ranked fifth behind the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a>, Titans and Vikings.”</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="RigHLM"><div data-anthem-component="aside:10479151"></div></div></div>
<p id="Sw7nx0">Hasan also ranked the top 15 biggest steals in the draft and the top 15 biggest reaches per the consensus board. Number one on on his “steals” list was the Bears brand new quarterback, Justin Fields, who went 11th but was 5th on their board. Their fifth biggest steal was Chicago’s second round pick Teven Jenkins, who was drafted 39th overall but came in as their 21st ranked prospect. </p>
<p id="ZXgHjW">The Bears didn’t have anyone on their top “reaches” list. </p>
<p id="vFnNpM">From a value stand point, the Bears, general manager Ryan Pace, his scouting staff, and all the coaches, crushed the competition this draft. </p>
<p id="HnC2qK"><em>But now the real work begins and these players —</em></p>
<ul>
<li id="UyqGJz">First round - Justin Fields, QB, <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>
</li>
<li id="K9WtFO">Second round - Teven Jenkins, OT, <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com">Oklahoma State</a>
</li>
<li id="OjEyU0">Fifth round - Larry Borom, OL, Missouri</li>
<li id="EquqEB">Sixth round - Khalil Herbert, RB, <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a>
</li>
<li id="eEK8uh">Sixth round - Dazz Newsome, WR, North Carolina</li>
<li id="haC6Vc">Sixth round - Thomas Graham, CB, Oregon</li>
<li id="UCTCfm">Seventh round - Khyiris Tonga, DL, <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="S2AETa"><em>— will need to prove that they can make an impact in Chicago. </em></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/2/22416004/nfl-draft-results-analytics-chicago-bears-best-class-rookies-2021-justin-fields-teven-jenkins-paceLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2021-05-02T10:43:37-05:002021-05-02T10:43:37-05:00Chicago Bears UDFA News and Rumor tracker
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 21 Troy at Akron" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NYJCJLaUwLoUZBv9tVBX6wrz-1M=/0x0:3614x2409/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69220599/1170378219.35.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Keeping everything updated for the Chicago Bears and their search through the undrafted free agents, and once they make an announcement official we’ll have even more on their new players. </p> <p id="tVxhdB">Now that the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a> is complete, the 32 teams get to work filling out their offseason rosters by picking through the undrafted free agent class. </p>
<p id="mwYKjK">With limited bonus money available to UDFAs, agents and players occasionally drum up rumors to spike interest. So keep in mind that we’ll see plenty of leaks on social media about players singing with teams, but until the teams actually announce a signing as official don’t assume it’s a done deal.</p>
<p id="5tvPDY">We’ll be on top of all the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> info here through the weekend. </p>
<h3 id="n4icks">UDFA News and Rumor Tracker</h3>
<p id="BZA8SM"></p>
<ul>
<li id="pMEWLP">Khalil McClain, WR, Troy is signing with the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/TroyTrojansFB/status/1388679710851411973">link</a>)</li>
<li id="tEsXFW">Dionte Ruffin CB, Western Kentucky, is signing with the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/DraftDiamonds/status/1388692211605417985">link</a>)</li>
<li id="9HIw78">Tight end Scooter Harrington from Stanford signs with the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/StanfordFball/status/1388664139808010249">link</a>)</li>
<li id="wHTjPE">Defensive lineman Daniel Archibong from Temple (<a href="https://twitter.com/Exclusive_SG/status/1388644232571858944">link</a>)</li>
<li id="5IQt2q">Clemson offensive lineman Gage Cervenka (a 2019 UDFA) signs with the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/AaronWilson_NFL/status/1388646814438600704">link</a>)</li>
<li id="gPnD0q">Offensive lineman Gunnar Vogel from Northwestern to the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/coachfitz51/status/1388642133507289094?s=20">link</a>)</li>
<li id="aovEyp">Mississippi State offensive lineman Dareuan Parker to the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/ShanePHallam/status/1388642104314929153">link</a>)</li>
<li id="pnvh8s">Houston Baptist linebacker Caleb Johnson to the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1388639642149261313">link</a>)</li>
<li id="bw8M8C">Coastal Carolina running back C.J. Marable to the Bears (<a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22415065/2021-nfl-draft-chicago-bears-sign-coastal-carolina-cj-marable-udfa-running-back">Our story</a>)</li>
<li id="qDjXfI">Stony Brook defensive tackle Sam Kamara to sign with the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1388635026665852930?s=20">link</a>)</li>
<li id="tAC0GH">Stanford d-lineman Thomas Schaffer to sign with the Bears (<a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1388634329299841030">link</a>)</li>
<li id="Rh3cFB">Virginia edge Charles Snowden is signing with the Bears (<a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22415049/2021-nfl-draft-chicago-bears-sign-charles-snowden-udfa-virginia-linebacker">Our story</a>)</li>
</ul>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="OnfnyT">
<p id="9TWd5K">Click <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/29/22408657/chicago-bears-2021-draft-tracker-nfl-results-rumors-trades-players-prospects-grades-break-down-news">here for our full pick/trade tracker and story stream</a> with every bit of content we produced about the Bears 2021 draft class. </p>
<p id="lr4TDG">Click <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/4/29/22404143/chicago-bears-2021-nfl-draft-class-podcast-radio-audio-rookie-ryan-pace-trade-nagy-justin-fields">here for all the podcasts</a> we did about every draft pick the Bears made. </p>
<p id="xSHEIv">We’ll try our best to stay on top of the tracker, but the news will be coming quick! Be sure you guys link any rumors you come across in the comment section below. Also our guy Aaron Leming will be keeping a tracker of his own with Google Docs that you can access off his <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronLemingNFL/status/1388577784809857027">Twitter here</a>.</p>
<p id="bZOdwE"></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403262/chicago-bears-udfa-news-and-rumor-tracker-nfl-draft-undrafted-free-agentsLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2021-05-01T23:37:14-05:002021-05-01T23:37:14-05:00Bears Draft 2021: Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy talk about their rookie class
<figure>
<img alt="5 storylines for the Bears at the NFL scouting combine, starting with whom they might bring in at quarterback" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/u6LsXD6uSBPI0C-GkXprYiAjWQQ=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69221779/1202931874.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="wVHBKH">After the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> made their seventh and final pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a>, they immediately went to work adding to their roster from the group of undrafted free agents, but general manager Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy still had time to give nearly 30 minutes in a post-draft press conference. </p>
<p id="y4Tsbv">We already recapped Pace’s presser from Thursday night when he discussed his top pick, <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> QB Justin Fields, and you can <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22410220/chicago-bears-2021-nfl-draft-ryan-pace-justin-fields-teven-jenkins-press-conference-andy-dalton-nagy">find that here</a>. And his press conference from Friday night, which was all about <a href="https://www.cowboysrideforfree.com">Oklahoma State</a> tackle Teven Jenkins that you <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22414521/chicago-bears-2021-draft-ryan-pace-talks-teven-jenkins-justin-fields-oklahoma-state-offensive-line">can find here</a>. </p>
<p id="LgZZWg">Pace started Saturday night’s press conference talking about Missouri offensive lineman Larry Borom, their 5th-round pick, calling him a “versatile, big, powerful guy,” saying he can play tackle or guard, and praising him for how hard he worked to drop weight after his final season at Mizzou. </p>
<p id="QgsYBR">He moved on to discussing <a href="https://www.gobblercountry.com/">Virginia Tech</a> running back Khalil Herbert, their first 6th-rounder, calling him “explosive, fast, versatile,” and highlighting his ability to play special teams, especially as a kick returner. </p>
<p id="hpMImN">The Bears next 6th-round pick, wide out Dazz Newsome from North Carolina, is another guy with special teams ability as a punt returner, and Pace specifically mentioned his productivity form the slot. </p>
<p id="AJyFBs">Pace called their last 6th-round pick, Thomas Graham, a corner from Oregon, versatile enough to play outside or nickel, and lauded his “competitiveness, his energy, kind of the spark that he has,” while adding that they really like his ball skills. </p>
<p id="XZWhUu">Chicago’s final pick of the draft, <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a> defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, is a guy Pace said could play the nose. He said about Tongo, that he’s a “powerful run stopper, gives us a lot of size inside, we love his make up,” adding that “he can push the pocket.” Pace also took time to point out Tonga’s knack for batting the ball down at the line of scrimmage, while calling him a “natural fit” for their defense. </p>
<p id="JSdD2w">Nagy began his initial part of the presser with some kind words for the entire scouting staff before talking about the importance that now falls on he and and his coaching staff. “Now it’s our job (the coaches) to make sure we develop these players and make our team better.” </p>
<p id="T94m0V">Nagy said he couldn’t remember a first-round that he’s been involved with that has been so “fascinating” with all the uncertainty surrounding what the teams were going to do. </p>
<p id="qilkA5">He talked up the deep ball ability that his rookie QB brings to the team, he praised Fields’ coaching he received at Ohio State, and he discussed the importance he and his coaching staff now have on getting him ready to play. Nagy referenced the “blueprint” that was used when he was in Kansas City and they drafted Patrick Mahomes, and while he didn’t say Fields would be on a similar timeline that Mahomes was on, he said that’s a good place to start. </p>
<p id="9AIsy1">Nagy reiterated that he did speak with Andy Dalton about their decision to take a quarterback in the draft, saying it was the right thing to do, and that Dalton handled the entire situation like a true pro. </p>
<p id="quQUo5">Much like Pace did on Thursday night, Nagy spent a lot of time gushing about Fields. His excitement about working with a “generational” talent was evident. </p>
<p id="YlxyPF">The part of the presser that has Bears fans most riled up was when they mentioned that Teven Jenkins could compete for a starting spot anywhere along their offensive line. Most in social media assumed that meant he’ll be in the mix at left tackle, but Pace didn’t mention any position in particular. </p>
<p id="WpYQ07">However, it would make sense for Jenkins to compete and show his worth to the team, and for the Bears to start their best five offensive linemen.</p>
<p id="kEZwAy"><em><strong>You can watch their full post-draft press conference right here. </strong></em></p>
<div id="VfuQto"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/g9uthLK_elQ?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; clipboard-write; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="e1INkv"><em>Everything the Bears did in the 2021 NFL Draft (picks, trades, etc.) can be found in our </em><a href="https://www.sbnation.com/e/22172698"><em>tracker right here</em></a><em>. We also have a UDFA news and rumor tacker running that you can </em><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403262/chicago-bears-udfa-news-and-rumor-tracker-nfl-draft-undrafted-free-agents"><em>find here</em></a><em> to keep you up to date on that. </em></p>
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<p id="ak6jJ1"></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22403250/chicago-bears-nfl-draft-2021-ryan-pace-matt-nagy-talk-rookie-class-justin-fields-teven-jenkinsLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2021-05-01T19:24:09-05:002021-05-01T19:24:09-05:00Film study: New Bears DL Khyiris Tonga a powerful space-eater
<figure>
<img alt="BYU v Utah" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ZdM2_xMBJol_1Rt9TLQmkAgQTro=/37x0:4200x2775/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69221055/1065031720.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Bears added some intriguing defensive line depth in the form of their seventh-round pick.</p> <p id="fTJtGj">The Bears added some depth along their defensive line by selecting <a href="https://www.vanquishthefoe.com">BYU</a>’s Khyiris Tonga with the No. 250 overall pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p id="8WyYjM">Tonga was a productive defensive lineman for the Cougars, tallying 130 tackles and 16 tackles for a loss in his four seasons. He’s a stout defender at 6-foot-2 and 325 pounds with a thick frame and plenty of raw power at the point of attack.</p>
<p id="9VS6H3">An intelligent interior defender who does a great job of freeing his hands up in run support to make plays, Tonga’s hand usage and raw power at the point of attack makes him a force to be reckoned with at the nose tackle position. He is able to convert speed to power and penetrate the backfield and has solid first-step quickness.</p>
<p id="EOsuLM">I took to the tape to describe what Tonga brings to the Bears and what to expect from him.</p>
<div id="7BOkWa">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THREAD: If you like powerful, run-stuffing defensive linemen, you’ll love new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> DL Khyiris Tonga.</p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388625655080833028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-conversation="none">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonga — whose first name is pronounced Ky-riss — played significant snaps at nose tackle for BYU.<br><br>He’s a 6-foot-2, 325-pound space eater whose upper-body strength and powerful anchor makes him a menace against the run. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/1c7h0k5yTE">pic.twitter.com/1c7h0k5yTE</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388625685741195268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonga converts speed to power well and has good first-step quickness for someone his size.<br><br>He doesn’t have elite sack production, but he’s a pocket pusher who shouldn’t be left one-on-one with most centers. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/2k993L2Xt4">pic.twitter.com/2k993L2Xt4</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388625716774907905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonga does a good job of churning his legs at the point of attack, and he fights hard with his hands to disengage upon contact.<br><br>His sheer mass and overall quickness in a vacuum makes him a presence on a pretty regular basis. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/f4eqWOgqTb">pic.twitter.com/f4eqWOgqTb</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388625740086890499?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonga complements his size and strength with good awareness as a gap eater.<br><br>He does a great job of freeing up his hands and reading the running back’s movements to determine when and how to strike in the backfield. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/bbbTx1VN3o">pic.twitter.com/bbbTx1VN3o</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388625761892974592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">He’s a bit stout and doesn’t have elite pass-rushing upside, but Khyiris Tonga is a thickly-built nose tackle who dominates against the run.<br><br>He’s a quality depth addition to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a>’ defensive line this late.</p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388625763591729161?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="SX64zq"><em>Give Robert Schmitz’s Bear With me Podcast a listen as he and Jacob Infante breaks down the play of Khyiris Tonga and how he’ll fit in with the Bears.</em></p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22415100/chicago-bears-2021-nfl-draft-film-study-khyiris-tonga-scouting-report-byu-defensive-linemanJacob Infante2021-05-01T19:08:00-05:002021-05-01T19:08:00-05:00Film study: New Bears CB Thomas Graham Jr. an intelligent ball-hawk
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<img alt="Oregon State v Oregon" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/59aAPad_u2UTP8AD7XcVuILQ9Vc=/77x0:2897x1880/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69220973/1191122539.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Get to know what sixth-round pick Thomas Graham Jr. brings to the Bears.</p> <p id="pg8Xkz">The Bears bolstered their secondary with the third of their sixth-round picks, selecting cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. out of Oregon with the No. 228 pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">2021 NFL Draft</a>.</p>
<p id="3iU4QM">Graham opted out of the 2020 season, but his production at the collegiate level still sticks out. With 8 interceptions and 32 pass deflections over the course of three seasons, he was able to consistently make plays at the cornerback position during his time with the Ducks.</p>
<p id="Lje1Wv">A <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/senior-bowl">Senior Bowl</a> standout, Graham won over the hearts of analysts and evaluators with his sticky coverage that was also apparent on tape. He is an intelligent defender and a quick processor with a high understanding of route concepts and how to defend them. He is patient with his footwork, fluid in coverage and offers good downhill speed as a tackler.</p>
<p id="ISN8Ne">I went to the tape to break down what Graham brings to the Bears’ secondary, specifically as a slot defender.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">THREAD: The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> found an intelligent and technically-sound cornerback in Oregon’s Thomas Graham Jr. in Round 6.</p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388611609426382848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Graham is a quick processor with very good route-recognition ability. <br><br>Here he is against 2020 draft pick Isaiah Hodgins; he’s patient, diagnoses quickly and has very good footwork. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/2sl5WynIlY">pic.twitter.com/2sl5WynIlY</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388611634432708609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Graham is a fiend when defending the flat or the screen. He’s quick in diagnosing what’s in front of him, has good downhill speed and is a willing tackler. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Ey7IJqOmi">pic.twitter.com/5Ey7IJqOmi</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388611657367175168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Graham really impressed me at the Senior Bowl in a setting that’s very tough for DBs to excel.<br><br>He dominated one-on-ones against top competition and was incredibly stick in coverage all week. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/pr5xWSb2TY">pic.twitter.com/pr5xWSb2TY</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388611679777394688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Graham opted out of the 2020 season but was super productive in his collegiate career.<br><br>8 interceptions and 32 pass deflections in three seasons. He has good ball skills and can read the eyes of quarterbacks well to time his jumps on routes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a> <a href="https://t.co/1e0tWBnFaP">pic.twitter.com/1e0tWBnFaP</a></p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388611716305625095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With inside and outside versatility, great ball production and a high football IQ, Thomas Graham Jr. is a nice addition to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bears?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bears</a>’ secondary this late.<br><br>I’m glad they made an addition to their cornerback room, and I’m even happier the player they drafted was Graham.</p>— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobinfante24/status/1388611718281039880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2021</a>
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<p id="WSlWJM"><em>Our Bear With Me podcast has been firing through the entire draft class on an individual pod by pod basis, so give a listen to Robert Schmitz as he’s joined by Jacob Infante to break down Thomas Graham’s game. </em></p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2021/5/1/22415079/2021-nfl-draft-chicago-bears-film-study-thomas-graham-jr-ball-hawk-scouting-report-cornerbackJacob Infante