Can former LSU receiver Zavion Thomas make instant impact in the NFL?

Seven former LSU Tigers were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, matching the total from 2025. One key difference between the two years was the amount of skill-position talent that came out of Baton Rouge this year, as the Tigers produced three pass-catchers in 2026 compared with just one the previous season.

The first offensive player selected was wide receiver Zavion Thomas, who was drafted in the third round by the Chicago Bears.

This pick was seen as a reach by many draft analysts, as most believed Thomas would come off the board in the fifth round or later. Normally, a reach of this magnitude indicates the team has a clear plan for a player's early role, but according to Bears General Manager Ryan Poles, Thomas may not be a significant factor offensively early on.

Oct 18, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Louisiana State Tigers wide receiver Zavion Thomas (0) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

"So this is a tough system,” Poles explained. “It’s going to be a challenge for him to break through quickly (on offense). But we’re going to open that competition up for all of these guys coming in. I think we feel really good about the return ability that he has. And then he’ll be with the rest of the guys to learn the offense, how does he do that, how fast does he come along? We all talk to our receivers and it’s a challenging system. So, maybe that role starts small and grows over time. But I don’t want to put a cap on that. If he comes in and downloads fast and he’s up and running, we’ll see what happens."