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Instant analysis of Bears' selection of Zavion Thomas in NFL draft
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- Instant analysis of Bears' selection of Zavion Thomas in NFL draft
2026 NFL Draft: Bears select Dillon Thieneman in first round (No. 25)
The Chicago Bears selected LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas with the 89th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a selection that will be talked about for some time, as the team's need to add defensive line remains the top priority heading into the final day.
Thomas, who I had the Bears drafting in the seventh round of my mock draft, 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.
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On the consensus board, Thomas was a seventh-round projection and the overall 222nd prospect in the draft. But with the Bears missing out on the run of defensive linemen, they chose the speed and potential of Thomas.
Measurables:
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488 receiving yards career-high, was in 2023 at Mississippi State 503
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5-foot-10
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190 pounds
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4.28 40-yard dash
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36-inch vertical
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41 receptions in 2025 career-high
Analysis
Thomas is, without a doubt, a surprising pick, but with a 4.28 40-yard dash, he brings big-play ability and versatility as a receiver, special teams returner, and a gadget player potentially in the backfield.
In a receiver's room with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III leading the way, Thomas will have a chance to compete with Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker for the No. 3 spot. Thomas led the SEC with 633 kick return yards in 2024. Other than certain plays Ben Johnson has drawn for Thomas, expect to see immediate involvement for Thomas in the return game.
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Thomas is dangerous with the ball in his hands, with vision hard at the top of his route, and has worked on his release at the beginning of his route to try to create separation.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears draft Zavion Thomas: Instant analysis of Chicago's pick
