The Zavion Thomas Bears pick gave Chicago a surprise speed option in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears selected the LSU wide receiver with the No. 89 overall pick on Saturday, April 25, adding one of the fastest players in the class.
The Bears’ selection of Thomas stood out because the 5-foot-10, 192-pound wideout brings elite timed speed and multi-role value. Chicago used a premium Day 2 pick on a player who can stretch the field, handle manufactured touches and push for special-teams work.
Thomas ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. The combine is the NFL’s annual testing event where college prospects perform athletic and position drills for scouts, coaches and front-office evaluators.
For Chicago, that speed changes how defences must respect spacing. Thomas can threaten vertically, motion across the formation, attack screens and compete for return duties if the coaching staff trusts his ball security.
The pick also gives the Bears a different type of receiver profile. Rather than drafting only for size or contested catches, Chicago added a player whose best value may come from creating stress before and after the snap.
LSU Production Shows More Than Straight-Line Speed
Thomas played two seasons at LSU after beginning his college career at Mississippi State. Across 26 games with the Tigers, including 10 starts, he recorded 64 catches for 716 yards and six touchdowns
His best receiving season came in 2025, when he posted 488 yards and four touchdowns. That production helped him earn Second-Team All-SEC honours and strengthened his draft case beyond pure athletic testing.
The numbers show a player still developing as a full-time receiver, but not a workout-only prospect. Thomas produced against Southeastern Conference competition and showed enough versatility to interest an NFL team on Day 2.
That matters for the Bears because speed alone does not guarantee snaps. Thomas will need to prove he can separate with route detail, adjust to NFL coverage and finish plays consistently when defenders close space faster than they did in college.
Thomas’ special-teams background may help him get on the field early. At Mississippi State, he earned Freshman All-American recognition as a punt and kick returner after returning 15 punts for 202 yards and one touchdown.
That history gives him a second route to a game-day role. Rookie receivers often need time to learn an NFL playbook, but return ability can help a young player stay active while his offensive workload grows.
His compact build also fits a returner and motion-receiver profile. At 5-foot-10 and 192 pounds, Thomas has enough size to handle contact while still carrying the burst that made his combine time stand out.
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The Bears will now need to decide whether his first NFL job is as a vertical slot, gadget receiver, return specialist or a weekly mix of those roles.
Why Did the Bears Draft Zavion Thomas in Round 3?
The Bears used the No. 89 pick on Thomas because his profile offers two clear paths to value: speed on offence and experience in the return game. With a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, 716 receiving yards at LSU and earlier Freshman All-American recognition as a returner at Mississippi State.
The projection is how Chicago uses him. Thomas could become a vertical slot option, motion receiver or return specialist, but his rookie role will depend on route development, ball security and how quickly he earns trust in camp.
How Fast Is Zavion Thomas?
Thomas ran the 40-yard dash in 4.28 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. That number places him in rare speed territory for a wide receiver prospect.
Track speed alone does not guarantee NFL production. The next test is whether Thomas can pair that burst with route timing, release technique and reliable hands against pro coverage.
Thomas’ most realistic rookie path is a hybrid role. He could compete for return duties, package plays, jet motion, screens and vertical shots while learning the Bears’ full passing game.
If he earns quarterback trust in training camp, his snaps could grow quickly. If not, special teams may be the fastest route to a regular game-day role.
The Zavion Thomas Bears pick will be judged next by how quickly his speed shows up in rookie minicamp, preseason return reps and Chicago’s early offensive packages.
