Zavion Thomas adds a versatile playmaker for the Chicago Bears' offense. As he prepares for his rookie season, here is where the third-round pick from LSU can improve his game.
Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor sees what everyone else does with wide receiver Zavion Thomas.
“I think the first thing that leaps off the tape is the speed element that he brings," Taylor said.
The former LSU wide receiver ran a 4.28 40 yard dash at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine -- the third-fastest time among all participants.
But the Bears' third-round draft pick brings more than just speed to this Bears team.
"Obviously we know he is a dynamic returner," Taylor said. "He's got a variety of experiences that when we looked through his college career, lining up at running back, taking handoffs from the backfield, obviously being out on the edge, playing inside the numbers. You see the speed and you see the complimentary aspect of what he could potentially be with our group. He's going to have to go earn it. And that comes in the meeting room first, earning some trust to get your reps, showing that you can be trusted when you get there and then being able to do something with it. Just like anybody, he's going to put in a lot of time, put in a lot of work, and we'll see where he goes as this thing builds.”
The early stages of Thomas' rookie season will be devoted to building. Whether that is is knowledge of coach Ben Johnson's playbook to understanding his new teammates to developing trust among his coaches.
There is a lot to take in, as is the case for every newcomer on the Bears' roster.
Regardless of Thomas' role, the No. 89 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will approach anything he is asked to do in the only way he knows how.
"I have the same mindset and that's just put the team in the best position to win," Thomas said. "So, that's my goal whether I'm getting the ball on punt return, kick return or running back, outside receiver, slot receiver, it's the same mentality."
That unselfishness is also present in how Thomas views ways he can improve his game, specifically at the wide receiver position.
"It's always room for improvement everywhere," Thomas said. "Whether that is getting out of my break, whether that is plucking the ball. There is always improvement, so I would say everywhere."
Everywhere is also how the Bears could potentially integrate Thomas on the football team. Throughout his four years in college (two at Mississippi State and two at LSU), the 5-foot-10, 190-pound playmaker scored in four different ways: receiving, rushing, punt and kick return.
Thomas and coach Ben Johnson have already had discussions on how the rookie could maximize his talent in Chicago, but it will first start with what Thomas can handle.
"Yes sir, we had a long conversation, him just telling me what is the expectations here, and hopefully what my role will be is all just going to be dictated to me, how I grab the offense and stuff like that," Thomas said. "So, it's all going to be all up to me."
This Bears offense is filled with playmakers, so Thomas' reps may be limited in Year 1. However, when his number is called, the expectation will be for the rookie to perform. To ensure he is ready, he must first know the playbook and his specific tasks in a given play, which could be a difficult process for a rookie, but that's not the case for Thomas.
"It's not difficult at all," Thomas said. "It's a great coaching staff. They're going to put us in the best position to exceed, so it's not difficult."