Zavion Thomas

Zavion Thomas News

Zavion Thomas Could Emerge as Valuable Gadget Player in Chicago

Chicago Bears rookie third-round wide receiver Zavion Thomas could emerge as "a valuable gadget player on offense" in Chicago in his first year in the NFL while also contributing his 4.28-second 40-yard-dash speed as a returner on special teams, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Cronin questions whether head coach Ben Johnson has his next Jahmyr Gibbs, especially after the versatile speedster made plays during the offseason program and was labeled "electric" by teammates as he enters his first year in the league. The 21-year-old out of LSU obviously has big-play abilities because of his high-end speed, but in terms of playing time in his rookie season, that's going to be hard to come by with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Kalif Raymond, and tight end Colston Loveland ahead of him on the depth chart. But if Thomas impresses as a gadget player early on, Johnson will surely manufacture more touches for him. For now, Thomas is merely a deep dynasty/keeper stash who will see most of his playing time on special teams.

Jul 23, 2026 10:09 AM EST

Is Zavion Thomas' Dynasty Value Being Overinflated by Unexpected Draft Capital?

Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas, one of the fastest players in the 2026 class, was viewed by some as an intriguing late-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts, expected to fall to late-Day 3 in the NFL Draft. However, with the Bears spending third-round capital and making him the 16th receiver off the board, there's now a strong chance he will be overdrafted in those same rookie drafts. Thomas' speed and versatility are likely what drew Ben Johnson to him, but on a depth chart consisting of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland, all of whom are under 24 years old, it's difficult to envision Thomas in anything more than a gadget role in either the here and now or foreseeable future. He never topped 502 receiving yards or four touchdowns in any of his four seasons at Mississippi State or LSU, and his career 1.58 yards per route run was one of the lowest marks in the class. Thomas has seen his value spike since the NFL Draft, but with no history or clear path toward repeatable production, he profiles as a frustrating end-of-roster player in any non-best-ball format.

May 2, 2026 6:01 AM EST

Zavion Thomas Selected 89th Overall by Bears

The Chicago Bears have selected LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas with the 89th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Across 13 games as a senior in 2025, Thomas recorded 41 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns and added 19 carries for 99 yards and a score. At just 5'10" and 190 lbs., Thomas is undersized but possesses elite speed and big-play ability when he gets his hands on the football. In Chicago, Thomas' main utility may end up being on special teams as a returner. However, Bears play-caller Ben Johnson's proclivity for trick plays could mean that Thomas plays a regular role on offense as a gadget piece.

Apr 24, 2026 6:45 PM EST