Thomas Graham Jr., a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has been making waves during the offseason with his remarkable instincts and playmaking ability. The 2021 sixth-round draft pick from the University of Oregon has caught the attention of Steelers’ defensive backs coach, Teryl Austin, who has been vocal in praising Graham’s progress and potential.
### A Natural Instinct for the Game
Graham’s natural football instincts are what first caught Austin’s eye. The young cornerback has shown an uncanny ability to read plays as they develop, anticipate the quarterback’s intentions, and position himself to make a play on the ball. This level of awareness is often hard to teach, making Graham a valuable asset to the Steelers’ secondary.
“Thomas has an excellent feel for the game,” said Austin during a recent press conference. “He sees things before they happen, and that’s something you can’t coach. He’s got a great football IQ, and he’s always around the ball. That’s exactly what we look for in our corners.”
### Playmaking Ability on Display
Graham’s playmaking ability has been another standout aspect of his game. In practice sessions, he has consistently made plays that turn heads, whether it’s breaking up passes, securing interceptions, or delivering solid tackles in open space. His knack for being in the right place at the right time has made him a potential breakout star for the Steelers this season.
“He’s been making plays all over the field,” Austin noted. “Every time you look up, Thomas is around the ball. He’s a natural playmaker, and that’s something that adds tremendous value to our defense.”
### A Promising Future
While Graham is still developing and refining his game, his instincts and playmaking ability have put him in a strong position to compete for significant playing time in the Steelers’ secondary. His versatility and football smarts make him an ideal fit for Pittsburgh’s defensive schemes, which rely heavily on aggressive, intelligent play from their defensive backs.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, Graham’s continued development will be something to watch. If he can translate his practice success into game-day performance, he could become a key player for Pittsburgh’s defense.
“Thomas has a bright future ahead of him,” said Austin. “He’s got all the tools to be successful at this level, and if he keeps working hard, the sky’s the limit.”
With such high praise from a seasoned coach like Teryl Austin, it’s clear that Thomas Graham Jr. is a player to keep an eye on as the NFL season unfolds. His instincts and playmaking ability could be the factors that elevate him from a promising young talent to a key contributor for the Steelers.
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