Although it wasn’t a top position of need this offseason, the Chicago Bears turned some heads when they opted to use a third-round pick to select LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Thomas is known as a speedster who can contribute both on special teams and the offense, if he earns the playing time as a rookie, which he appears to be in line to do after turning heads during minicamp. Thomas finds himself behind Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and Kalif Raymond, at the very least, on the receiver depth chart coming into the season, but that hasn’t stopped him from making plays in his first action with the team.
Last week during minicamp, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams discussed Thomas’ playmaking ability, raving about his potential when he steps onto the field and the plays he’s able to make.
“When he came in from practice, he was frustrated at himself, and it’s important to still encourage him,” Williams said when discussing a learning moment for the rookie receiver. “When he’s out there making plays, when he’s got the ball in his hands and doing the right things, he’s pretty special. I’m really excited, if he can get the offense down and he can do his part, I think he’ll be really special for years on out.”
While it may not have been a pressing need for the team to add a receiver in the third round, Chicago appears to have found another weapon for Ben Johnson. The Bears’ head coach has a knack for finding dynamic offensive talent, and it’ll be interesting to see how they find a role for Thomas on offense and special teams, as he’ll likely work with veteran Raymond in making the most out of being with both units.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears QB Caleb Williams excited about rookie Zavion Thomas
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
