CHI Zavion Thomas
NFL player. Position: WR. Team: CHI.
Quick Facts
- Position: WR
- Team: CHI (Chicago Bears)
- Draft: 2026, 3rd round, LSU
2026 Outlook
Thomas was selected in the 3rd round despite recording fewer than 500 receiving yards in any single season at LSU, with teams viewing him primarily as a special-teams contributor (3 career return TDs). However, his 4.28 NFL Combine speed is making an immediate impression at OTAs. At practices, Thomas has worked with the first-team offense and hauled in a 50-yard deep pass from Caleb Williams, beating Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson down the left sideline. His take-the-top-off speed pairs well with the Bears' desire for vertical threat capability. Thomas has potential to develop into a deep-ball specialist if the opportunity arises, though his role as a rookie may be limited given his college production (per Five Sleeper NFL Draft Rookies Already Making Veterans Nervous at OTAs). Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's selections on Day 2 (including Thomas at 89) showcased his strategy of adding playmakers alongside core infrastructure (per 10 best available players for Bears on Day 3 of 2026 NFL Draft).
June 27 opportunity update — No. 3 WR role opened: DJ Moore's trade to Buffalo created a genuine No. 3 receiver opportunity for Thomas. He's competing with veterans Khalif Raymond and Scotty Miller for the spot, but has earned first-team opportunities during OTAs. The No. 3 receiver role works in Thomas' favor: he'll frequently draw opposing teams' third cornerback in coverage, creating favorable matchup advantages for explosive plays—particularly in 11 personnel sets. Ben Johnson's creativity is positioned to leverage Thomas' speed advantage to scheme him open and manufacture opportunities. Dynasty fantasy football managers are buying the hype, with Thomas rostered on 66.9% of Sleeper Fantasy Football leagues and gaining 2,300 new additions in a single week heading into training camp. If Rome Odunze deals with any health setbacks (he started only 12 games in 2025 due to injury), Thomas could see an even larger role sooner than expected (per NFL fans tell the Chicago Bears exactly what they believe about rookie WR Zavion Thomas heading into 2026 training camp).
Role / Depth Chart
Competing for No. 3 WR role following DJ Moore trade to Buffalo. Primary competition from veterans Khalif Raymond and Scotty Miller. Early returns from OTAs show first-team opportunity potential as deep threat. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are the clear top two receivers; if Odunze deals with recurring injury, Thomas has path to increased early-season role.
Injury Status
Appears healthy at OTAs.
Recent News
- 2026-06-27 — NFL fans tell the Chicago Bears exactly what they believe about rookie WR Zavion... (NFL fans tell the Chicago Bears exactly what they believe about rookie WR Zavion...)
- 2026-06-18 — Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection: Who will enter training camp on the bubble? (Chicago Bears 53-man roster projection: Who will enter training camp on the bubble?)
- 2026-06-22 — 2026 NFL offseason: Biggest surprise players on each team (2026 NFL offseason: Biggest surprise players on each team)
- 2026-06-19 — The 23 UFL Players Who Signed NFL Contracts This Week—and Their Chances of Making a... (The 23 UFL Players Who Signed NFL Contracts This Week—and Their Chances of Making a...)
- 2026-04-30 — Chicago Bears’ roster has undergone major change. Now, how will they get better? (Chicago Bears’ roster has undergone major change. Now, how will they get better?)
- 2026-06-16 — Five Sleeper NFL Draft Picks Already Putting Pressure on Coaches to Change the Depth Chart (Five Sleeper NFL Draft Picks Already Putting Pressure on Coaches to Change the Depth Chart)
- 2026-05-01 — Chicago Bears' projected depth chart after 2026 NFL Draft (Chicago Bears' projected depth chart after 2026 NFL Draft)
- 2026-06-01 — The Ultimate 2026 Return Yardage Watchlist: Breaking Down Every NFL Team’s PR/KR Depth... (The Ultimate 2026 Return Yardage Watchlist: Breaking Down Every NFL Team’s PR/KR Depth...)
- 2026-05-18 — 6 Late-Round Dynasty Rookie Draft Targets (2026 Fantasy Football) (6 Late-Round Dynasty Rookie Draft Targets (2026 Fantasy Football))
- 2026-05-07 — Biggest roster holes for all 32 NFL teams following the draft (Biggest roster holes for all 32 NFL teams following the draft)