Why Zavion Thomas May Become One of Bears Camp’s Biggest Surprises

LSU wideout Zavion Thomas (WO38) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee | Imagn Images

Every offseason, one rookie enters training camp with relatively modest expectations before quickly forcing coaches and teammates to take notice. For the Chicago Bears, that player could end up being Zavion Thomas, especially after many viewed him as a late Day 3 prospect before Chicago surprisingly selected him in the third round. Although the selection drew mixed reactions from analysts and fans, Thomas possesses the type of elite speed and explosiveness that can immediately stand out once practices begin. His playmaking ability gives him an opportunity to carve out a role in Ben Johnson’s offense sooner than many expect.

Part of the reason Thomas enters camp with something to prove is that many analysts questioned where the Bears selected him in the draft. However, players with Thomas’ level of speed and open-field explosiveness often rise higher on NFL draft boards than expected. His 4.28 speed alone gives him a skill set that can immediately stand out during training camp practices and preseason games. If he consistently flashes those traits throughout camp, it may become difficult for the coaching staff to keep him off the field.

Elite Speed Gives Him Immediate Value

Thomas enters the NFL known for his explosiveness and return ability. Reports surrounding the Bears’ rookie class highlighted his elite speed and open-field playmaking potential. At the NFL combine, Thomas ran a 4.28 40-yard dash. That type of athleticism naturally stands out during training camp. Last year, Thomas caught 41 passes for 488 yards and four touchdowns at LSU.

Ben Johnson’s offensive system is designed to create space for dynamic athletes, especially players capable of generating yards after the catch. Thomas has the acceleration and quickness to become dangerous on screens, jet sweeps, motion concepts, and vertical shots downfield. Even if he is not immediately competing for a starting role, his speed alone could force defensive backs to respect his presence every time he steps onto the field.

Special Teams Could Open the Door

One of the fastest ways for rookies to earn playing time is through special teams, and Thomas has a legitimate opportunity there. Chicago has emphasized adding more explosiveness to the roster, particularly with players who can impact field position. Thomas’ background as a return specialist could make him an immediate factor during preseason action.

In four years in college, Thomas accounted for two kickoff return touchdowns and one punt return touchdown in his college career. Strong performances in kick return and punt return situations often create momentum for rookies trying to climb the depth chart. If Thomas becomes reliable in that phase, the Bears may start looking for additional ways to utilize him offensively. Training camp frequently rewards players who bring versatility, and Thomas fits that description perfectly.

Offensive Flexibility

One reason Thomas could become a camp standout is the type of offense Chicago now runs. Johnson consistently values players who can move around the formation and create matchup problems. When Johnson was the offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions, He used Amon-Ra St. Brown in many different ways.

The Lions would lineup St. Brown in the slot, outside the numbers, in brunch formations and put him in motion. That made it difficult for defenses to press him consistently or assign one defender to track him all game. Johnson also used condensed formations to give St. Brown free releases off the line of scrimmage. Thomas has the type of skill set that can thrive in those situations with his speed, using Jet Sweeps and screens.

The Bears already have larger pass catchers like Rome Odunze and versatile weapons like Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland. Thomas brings a different dimension because of his pure acceleration and open-field explosiveness. That contrast could make him particularly valuable in certain personnel packages.

Training Camp

One of the fastest ways for receivers to generate buzz in training camp is by consistently winning one-on-one matchups against defensive backs. His acceleration makes him dangerous in space, and Johnson has a history of creating easy touches for explosive athletes. If Thomas consistently creates chunk plays in open-field situations, he could earn a specialized offensive role early.

Thomas must get in good graces with Bear quarterback Caleb Williams. Quarterbacks tend to gravitate toward receivers who consistently create separation and make plays. Young quarterbacks especially value speed because it creates larger throwing windows. If Williams starts looking for Thomas more frequently during practices, that chemistry could become one of the biggest storylines of camp.

Overall

If Thomas consistently flashes speed, creates explosive plays during preseason games, and contributes on special teams, his role could expand faster than many expect. Chicago’s offense is built around creating mismatches and maximizing athleticism. That environment could allow  Thomas to become one of the biggest surprises of Bears training camp in 2026.