Zavion Thomas Flashes Explosiveness, Reminding Fans of Bears Legend
In the Bears’ final preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas exploded onto the scene.
His first play in the NFL was a 97-yard touchdown reception where he dusted the Titans secondary. Fans quickly drew comparisons to Bears Hall of Famer Devin Hester, one of the most loved players of all time.
Who Is Zavion Thomas?
When Bears legend Jimbo Covert stepped up to the podium on draft night to announce the 89th pick, I expected him to say a defensive lineman. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
With the 89th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select wide receiver Zavion Thomas from LSU.
I looked over at my dad and said, “I have no idea who that is.” As someone who dives deep into the NFL draft, I was stunned to hear a name I didn’t recognize in round 3. However, I trusted the pick because if Ben Johnson wants someone for his offense, then he must have a vision for them.
Zavion Thomas spent his first two collegiate years at Mississippi State. There, Thomas produced limited production, totaling 507 receiving yards and 1 TD. Then Thomas transferred to LSU, where he saw a slight increase in volume. He reeled in 64 catches for 706 yards and 6 TDs.
Thomas also proved to be a dangerous returner with 1 punt return TD and 2 kick return TDs.
Entering the NFL Draft, Zavion Thomas was widely regarded as a 7th-round pick (consensus rank around #222-232).
So why in the world would Ryan Poles and Ben Johnson draft this kid in the 3rd round?
First off, speed kills. Thomas ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the combine. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden are both very talented players, but they don’t provide the speed that Thomas does. Ben Johnson saw Zavion Thomas as a weapon for his offense. Someone who can take the top off the defense, return kicks, and even run the football.
Jaw-Dropping Debut
There are always several Bears players I get excited to watch in the preseason. This year, Zavion Thomas was who I was most looking forward to watching. Unfortunately, Thomas missed the first two games with an injury. But when I saw he was active against the Titans, I began salivating.
The Titans got the ball first and quickly punted the ball to Chicago. After the Saints were backed up at the three-yard line, Tyson Bagent lined up in shotgun. He snapped the ball and faced immediate pressure up the middle. Next thing you know, Bagent’s throwing the ball to a wide-open Zavion Thomas running free down the sideline.
Thomas made a double move to free himself, losing the corner. Then he caught the ball in stride, beat the safety, and scored.
The rookie had me jumping around my apartment in excitement during a preseason game. It was truly a special moment, but he was just getting started. Thomas finished with 5 catches, 140 yards, and a TD. A spectacular debut for the youngster.
Devin Hester Comparisons?
Devin Hester is my favorite athlete of all time. I had the chance to meet him and take a picture, and I was starstruck. Hester gave me a feeling that I can’t really describe. I would sit down for a Bears game with such high anticipation for the opening kickoff. Anytime that Hester was back deep, there was a chance something special was about to happen. Hence his well-deserved nickname, “Anytime.”
Hester is the greatest returner and one of the most exciting players ever. So whenever a player gets compared to him, we have to take it with a grain of salt. That said, there are some similarities between him and Thomas.
The first thing that stands out is the straight-line speed. Hester was so fast, and Thomas proved his combine speed translates to the field. He ran by Tennessee’s secondary like it was nothing.
But that’s not what most fans are comparing between the two players. Hester’s greatest strength was his ability to accelerate and decelerate without losing a step.
Thomas had a 39-yard punt return against the Titans that reminded Bears fans of Hester.
I won’t go as far as saying Zavion Thomas is the next Devin Hester. But he showed elite speed, acceleration, and vision in his debut.
While Zavion Thomas’ role as a rookie is still to be determined, it’s clear he will make some sort of impact. His return ability is dangerous, and I’m sure Ben Johnson will design packages to utilize his game-breaking speed.
Thomas has quickly become a fan favorite, and I don’t see the hype slowing down anytime soon.
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