The Chicago Bears have selected LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas with the 89th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It marked the third offensive pick on Day 2 for the Bears.
Thomas is a speedy weapon in the passing game, running a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. Dane Brugler notes that “he projects best as a return man and gadget role player capable of creating explosives.” Thomas totaled three return touchdowns in his career at LSU.
The Bears traded veteran receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, in exchange for a second-round pick, this offseason. But they have a pair of young playmakers in Rome Odunze and last year’s rookie standout Luther Burden III, and they signed veteran Kalif Raymond in free agency.
Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say: “Thomas lacks gaudy production as a receiver, but his athleticism, versatility and return talent could bolster his roster value. He has average size with enough vertical speed to stress defenses downfield. He’s average in beating man coverage underneath and struggles finishing catches through contact. His vision, burst and elusiveness as a runner makes the evaluation more interesting. Thomas is likely to be viewed as a WR5 candidate with value as a return man, but teams could dig a little deeper on his potential as a running back.”
It’s certainly a surprising pick, as many had Thomas projected as a seventh-round selection who was taken on Day 2. But it’s important to remember to trust Ben Johnson, especially with offensive talent.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears select LSU WR Zavion Thomas with 89th pick in 2026 NFL Draft
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
