Chicago Bears have surprise rookie turning heads at minicamp

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears have surprise rookie turning heads at minicamp

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Jun 9, 2026 10:30 PM ET

There were plenty of critics when the Chicago Bears used a third-round pick on LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas.

Thomas recorded 41 receptions for 488 yards and four touchdowns during his final season with the Tigers. He was used as a return man on special teams, which could give the Bears flexibility with Thomas on the 53-man roster.

Still, most draft experts didn’t have Thomas going until the draft until late on Day 3.

Thomas showed off his blazing 4.28 40-yard speed during the first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. He took a short pass from backup quarterback Tyson Bagent for a long touchdown.

Ka-chow ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/SF9OODUTP4

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 9, 2026

Chicago Bears rookie WR Zavion Thomas is turning heads

Jun 9, 2026; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas (81) passes the ball during Chicago Bears Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Thomas made positive plays during OTAs in May. He could look to earn more opportunities for training camp and fight for the WR3 position. As previously noted, Kalif Raymond is off to a rough start learning the Bears offense at minicamp.

In May, new Bears offensive coordinator Press Taylor boasted about the speed Thomas can bring to the offense. He can be used out of the backfield, giving Chicago another threat.

But the Bears want Thomas to show he’s worthy of playing time for the regular season.

“He’s going to have to earn it,” Taylor said, via the Bears. “And that comes in the meeting room first; earning some trust to get your reps, showing that you can be trusted when you get there and then being able to do something with it.

“Just like anybody, he’s going to put in a lot of time, put in a lot of work, and we’ll see where he goes.”

The Bears opted to go with speed to replace DJ Moore, and Thomas will give head coach Ben Johnson another tool to draw up creative plays that can showcase his quick legs. Like with Burden last year, Thomas could become the steal of the draft for Chicago this season.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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