Thomas entered the 2026 NFL Draft as one of the fastest-timed athletes in the class, and Ben Johnson has a unique role in mind for him that will include snaps in the backfield. Similar to what happened with Savion Williams in Green Bay last year, you can expect Thomas to have a very limited role in Year 1. He is not on the Fantasy radar now, but his speed gives him the potential to emerge as a waiver-wire option down the line.
Fantasy News
Bears' Zavion Thomas: Could handle gadget role
Rotowire
Thomas could emerge as a valuable gadget player on offense for the Bears during his rookie season, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.
Thomas was selected in the third round of April's NFL Draft and comes equipped with 4.28 speed. While he may not have an immediate role as a receiver behind Rome Odunze, Luther Burden and Kalif Raymond, the Bears are expected to get Thomas some easy touches to showcase his wheels and big-play ability. At the very least, Thomas appears lined up to handle returner duties for Chicago.
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Bears' Zavion Thomas: Taken by Chicago
Rotowire
The Bears selected Thomas in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 89th overall.
Though he primarily operated on the boundary as a starter at LSU, Thomas showed his versatility in motions and backfield action, and he also has the experience on special teams as a returner on kickoffs and punts that should help him contribute immediately to the Bears. Thomas' speed and acceleration means he is a threat to make a game-altering play any time he touches the ball, which makes him an intriguing playmaker in the offensive scheme of head coach Ben Johnson. There's a real chance that Thomas beats out Jahdae Walker and Kalif Raymond to earn the Bears' WR3 job behind Rome Odunze and Luther Burden.
