For veterans, the offseason training program is a time to get back into the swing of things and build up toward mandatory minicamp, and eventually, training camp. But for rookies, such as third-round pick Zavion Thomas, it is an opportunity to make a good first impression as he goes about trying to carve out a niche as a first-year player.
And for what it’s worth, it sounds like he is doing just that — which is music to my ears.
Quotes from Bears Offensive Coordinator Press Taylor and Special Teams Coordinator Richard Hightower have me excited about what Thomas can do as a rookie.
First, this snippet from Taylor:
“The first thing that leaps off the tape is the speed element that he brings. Obviously we know he’s a dynamic returner. He’s got a variety of experiences that when you look at his college career—lining up at running back, taking handoffs from the backfield, being out on the edge, playing inside the numbers—you see the speed, you see the complementary aspect of what he could potentially be with our group.”
And now, this one from Hightower:
“I like his speed on tape. I like his natural instincts. I like his ability to catch the ball in traffic and his fearlessness … He’s still young, it’s still early. I mean, we’ll see. But you’ve got a dynamic player that we like on special teams and we like on offense. This is a player that catches the ball, looks natural and he’s been doing it his whole life and he’s eager to be great.
One of his first questions he asked me was, ‘Why, coach, do most rookies not succeed in the NFL; what holds people back?’ That told me right there about his mindset.”
I am fascinated by that last quip that Hightower shared. Speed and skill will get you to the NFL. It certainly helped Zavion Thomas get drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. However, having an inquisitive mind that shows your willingness to put in work is the type of thing that will keep you on an NFL roster.
Bears rookie Zavlon Thomas (81) stretches during Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn ImagesHow will the Bears use Zavion Thomas in 2026?
Chicago Bears third-round pick Zavion Thomas seems to have a lot going for him in the early going of his pro career. But what does the future hold for the LSU product? Let’s discuss.
Even though DJ Moore’s departure to the Buffalo Bills via a trade opened up the WR3 race, the early projections for Zavion Thomas suggest there isn’t much of an expectation that the rookie will be heavily involved in the offense. And with Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland atop the pecking order in terms of projected targets, it will be tough for Thomas to get a high volume of looks from quarterback Caleb Williams. But that doesn’t mean Thomas can’t be an impact contributor as a rookie.
MORE: Why Ben Johnson is the Perfect Coach For Zavion Thomas
Zavion Thomas could work his way into being the Bears’ top return specialist as a rookie. ESPN’s early forecast has Thomas projected to rack up 992 kick return yards and post a 26.1 yards-per-return average, which would have been on par with what Devin Duvernay gave the team in 2025. I’d still like to see him carve out a role in the offense that gives him some more touches. Perhaps he can get some of the handoffs that were given to Burden and Moore last year. That would be a unique way to get him into the action without putting too much on his plate.
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