The Chicago Bears have some firepower on their offense, but a rookie that many thought was an overshoot at his pick might end up being the key player to the 2026 season.
Bears rookie third-round pick wide receiver Zavion Thomas came into the NFL as one of the fastest players in the draft and a legitimate weapon that could be used in Ben Johnson's offense. Early in OTAs, Thomas was seen on the field as a wide receiver and a running back.
Looking at what's coming up at training camp, ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin named Thomas as one of the three players to watch for. Cronin had an impressive comparison for Thomas that Detroit Lions fans would want to turn away from.
"Did Johnson draft his next Jahmyr Gibbs? Thomas, the versatile rookie who has been labeled "electric" by his wide receiver teammates, made a handful of plays during minicamp and could emerge as a valuable gadget player on offense while contributing his 4.28-second 40-yard dash speed as a returner."
Could Zavion Thomas be the next Jahmyr Gibbs?
Gibbs is a great talent, even if Bears fans don't want to admit that he's one of the best running backs in the NFL. It is a telling comparison that suggests Thomas will have to be versatile for Johnson.
Last season, Johnson tried to use DJ Moore in the backfield as a running back, but it didn't work. Thomas may not be big, but his speed is more than enough for Johnson to have a completely different kind of weapon for the offense.
The Bears are stacked at wide receiver with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III as the starters. Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker will be competing with Thomas for the WR3 role, but all three should make the roster.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles had originally said that Thomas was going to be more focused on being a special teams player. Thomas could end up being a returner there, which would give him time to learn the complexity of Johnson's offense.
The more buzz that was around Thomas at OTAs, though, the more it made it seem like there might be a plan for Thomas on offense. His speed is too good just to leave on the sidelines, so Johnson might be able to fit a role for the former LSU receiver.
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Bears fans will have to see how Johnson plays it out in training camp with Thomas, but he's got a chance to be a key weapon in this offense in 2026.
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