From now until the 2021 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#4 Thomas Graham Jr./CB Oregon – 5’10” 193
The Good
- Three year starter, finished his career with 39 consecutive starts
- 76” wing span and 31” arms help him compete in press coverage and downfield despite lack of size
- Comfortable working in press coverage, displays elite hip mobility and advanced hand usage off the line
- Displays good patience in off coverage, matches receivers tempo well
- Displays efficient click and close in and out of his breaks
- Great instincts in shallow zone coverage, understands how quarterbacks want to attack him and does a great job of mid pointing levels concepts
- Good physicality for his size, tackles the catch efficiently and can provide adequate run support when he stays clean
- Possesses elite ball skills, allowing him to routinely make plays at the catch point, as evidenced by his extensive ball production(21 passes defended in 2018)
- Shows desired physicality when tasked with guarding bigger framed receivers, squeezing them to the sideline and attacking the ball at its apex
- Despite lacking stature, possess the necessary traits to succeed as a boundary cornerback at the next level
The Bad
- Enters the NFL with no slot experience, making his immediate transition to the league a difficult projection
- Lack of arm length causes him to struggle shedding blockers, both in space and in the box
- Lack of size can cause him to slip off backs at times
- Fails to stay square at times in press coverage, opening the gate prematurely, and making him particularly susceptible to in breaking routes
- Average athlete for the position, lacks the desired speed and leaping ability for a player of his stature
Bio
- Opted out of 2020 season to enter draft, last played in 2019 as a junior
- Entered senior season as the active FBS leader in passes defended(40) and pass breakups(32)
- Started 39 games in a row to finish his career
- 182 tackles 10.