The Chicago Bears just gave Ben Johnson and Cale Williams an offensive weapon just waiting to be unleashed. With the 89th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Bears selected LSU WR Zavion Thomas.
Thomas wasn't the most productive receiver in college, but he has the tools to be an impactful player in Chicago's offense. One college football expert thinks he could provide major value.
Nicholas Rome of Saturday Blitz said, "Zavion Thomas has a chance to be the steal of the NFL Draft when he's selected on Day 3. Thomas was never fully utilized as a wide receiver at LSU, but when utilized it was clear he's an NFL talent. Early on, Thomas can make a big contribution on special teams while he's also played running back at times for the Tigers."
Bears' Zavion Thomas draft pick given high praise: 'Could be the steal of the draft'
Rome, like most analysts, expected Thomas to come off the board on Day Three of the draft. The Bears weren't willing to wait that long. They took him at the back end of the third round, ensuring that no other team had the chance to steal him away.
Thomas possesses one of the few traits that can't be taught at the receiver position. His blazing speed is enough to threaten any NFL secondary, even if he's not yet refined as a route runner. He ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, ranking second among all participating receivers. That speed was on display at LSU, as he often took short passes to the house by outpacing defensive backs.
As Rome mentioned, Thomas didn't get targeted much in college. He had just 493 receiving yards in his final year at LSU. But his explosiveness was undeniable when he got the ball in his hands. That same explosiveness is dangerous in Johnson's Bears offense.
The Bears quietly needed help at receiver after trading D.J. Moore to the Buffalo Bills. Behind Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Kalif Raymond, Chicago sorely lacked depth at the position. Thomas will act as a solid rotational piece while he hones his route-running skills in the NFL.
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Some may see this pick as a slight reach, but Johnson deserves the benefit of the doubt after his coaching performance in 2025. He'll find a way to utilize 4.28 speed. If Thomas can find a significant role for the Bears, Rome's "steal of the draft" prediction could come true.
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