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Zavion Thomas
WR · CHI

Zavion Thomas

Position WR
Team CHI
Bye Week —
PPR Rank —

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).

Late July entering training camp: Thomas added to Bears' wide receiver room alongside Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, veterans Kalif Raymond and Scotty Miller. The 89th overall 2026 draft pick has impressed coaches with his speed and athleticism, earning first-team looks during camp despite his limited college production. Ben Johnson emphasized Thomas's development trajectory: "if we can harness all this energy, and make sure that he's going to align where he needs to and run the route the way we need him to, we really could use him and he could be a big weapon for us this year" (per 2026 Chicago Bears Training Camp Preview: Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and the Wide Receivers).

August 10 opportunity with Burden injury: Luther Burden's groin injury creates a potential opening for Thomas to compete for starting reps in camp. However, Thomas also suffered a minor injury on August 9, leaving practice early—status unknown. If Burden misses approximately one month, Thomas is one of the internal options to backfill the role, competing with veteran Kalif Raymond and undrafted Jahdae Walker (per Latest Luther Burden Injury Update is a Mixed Bag for the Bears).

August 30 preseason debut explosion: Thomas exploded in his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans with 5 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown, including a 97-yard touchdown reception on his very first NFL play. Starting from the Bears' own 3-yard line, Thomas made a double move on his defender and was found wide open by backup QB Tyson Bagent, taking the ball to the end zone untouched. He also added 22 yards on kickoffs and 39 yards on punt returns. "I think that was Zavion Thomas' very first play in the NFL, so greatest start in NFL history," Bagent said post-game. Thomas is projected as the No. 2 receiver behind Kalif Raymond on the Bears' depth chart (per Bears rookie wide receiver scores 97-yard touchdown in NFL preseason debut).

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

Suffered minor injury leaving practice early on August 9, 2026. Status and severity unknown as of August 10. His absence would further complicate Bears WR depth with Luther Burden already sidelined.

Recent News

Open Questions

Sources

Coaches shaping Zavion's role

Ben JohnsonHead CoachPress TaylorOffensive CoordinatorAl HarrisDefensive Backs / Passing Game CoordinatorAntwaan Randle ElWide Receivers / Assistant Head CoachDan RousharOffensive LineKyle DeVanAssistant Offensive Line