Rising Bears rookie turning heads in 2026 OTAs

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Rising Bears rookie turning heads in 2026 OTAs

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Dan Fappiano, ClutchPoints | Last updated Jun 1, 2026 2:39 PM ET

With Ben Johnson running the show, all eyes will be on the team’s offense whenever the Chicago Bears are on the field. That rung true to start Organized Team Activities, which gave Johnson and the coaching staff an opportunity to see where their offense stands.

There are no pads being worn yet, and hardly any defense being played. So it’s important to take OTAs with a grain of salt. Still, quarterback Caleb Williams had an opportunity to throw to his pass catchers. And in the process, he saw one continue developing into a playmaker.

The Bears shocked many when they selected wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. While Chicago traded away DJ Moore, they still have Rome Odunze and Luther Burden on their roster. It seemed as if other needs were more pertinent than another wide receiver.

But Johnson is always looking for playmakers. And for all the success the Bears had in 2025, he still isn’t finished building out his offensive vision in Chicago. Early on in OTAs, Thomas is giving the coaching staff and fans a clear view of why he was drafted in the third.

Zavion Thomas putting on OTAs show

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Thomas was lauded for his speed throughout the draft process. He ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine. That speed was clearly evident throughout OTAs and specifically on May 28.

That day, Thomas hauled in a 50+ yard pass from Williams. Throughout practice, he caught the eyes of many, including Mark Carman of CHGO.

“Zavion Thomas star of the day. A+,” Carman wrote. “Hauled in a 50-yard plus missle from Caleb down left sideline. Speed.”

Heard y'all wanted the @ftfzayy_ catch pic.twitter.com/XrC8eLZHos

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 29, 2026

Of course, one practice/play doesn’t automatically make Thomas a star. He’ll need to continue proving himself throughout the offseason. Once pads come on in training camp, the rookie must prove he can handle the competition. But Thomas was brought in for his speed. And so far, he’s had no problem showing off that skill.

As the wide receiver joins Chicago, the franchise will be looking to get him as many reps as possible. He appeared in 48 games over his college career. But in only two seasons did he surpass 40 receiving yards. He broke 500 receiving yards and in 2023 with Mississippi State and had four touchdowns with LSU in 2025. Still, with a career-high of 41 passes caught in a season, Thomas will need to prove he can continue developing at the NFL level.

Catching the attention of Johnson is already a win in the rookie’s book. The head coach has carefully crafted each addition to the Bears’ offense. If Johnson felt Thomas was worth a third-round pick, then he clearly feels he can carve out a strong role in the offense.

Throughout the offseason, fans are hoping to see more clips of Williams hitting Thomas on deep passes. The more their chemistry builds throughout the offseason, the more likely those types of passes become commonplace during the regular season. Furthermore, it would mean Thomas has earned his spot in the offense as a rookie.

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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