Kalif Raymond gave Bears fans every reason to believe rookie is the real deal

Training camp usually gives fans an early indicator of how the roster is looking and how the rookies are adjusting to life in the NFL.

So far with the Chicago Bears, the rookies are really making quite the splash. Dillon Thieneman is stepping up as a starter, Roush is getting better as a receiver, and Jordan van den Berg might be challenging for a starting job.

There's another rookie who has already made a lot of noise in OTAs and is continuing the upward trend. And he is starting to get the attention of his teammates for what he is doing on and off the field.

Bears fans might need to buy stock in Zavion Thomas' hype after Kalif Raymond's comments

While speaking to the media, Bears veteran wide receiver Kalif Raymond talked about Thomas and how impressed he has been with the young rookie. Raymond shared what Thomas is doing off the field that is showing his commitment to being great.

"It's a vet-type mindset to be disciplined and do something like that," Raymond said via ESPN Bears reporter Courtney Cronin. "And when he showed me that video, I was just happy to know that that's who he is."

There was a lot of debate about the Bears picking Thomas so high in the third round. Many draft experts saw him as a Day 3 selection, and Chicago was reaching on him.

Turns out, Thomas might be a star in the making after having a stellar mini-camp with the Bears. He showed off his versatility by playing wide receiver, running back, and returner on special teams.

The expectations for Thomas in 2026 are that he won't play as much on offense, as he still needs to learn head coach Ben Johnson's complex offense. Early indications show that he might be more involved than expected, as Thomas has stayed active in training camp with some nice plays.

Raymond is still expected to be the WR3 on the Bears, but Thomas could play some role in the offense. Expect him to be on the field for five to 10 snaps a game and line up everywhere and anywhere Johnson wants him to.

Thomas's 4.28 speed is too good to leave on the field, so Johnson will find a way to get him on the field. From all the reports, the rookie is ready to overachieve and make an impact in some capacity in 2026.

Add us as a preferred source on Google