NFL world reacts to Bears picking Zavion Thomas in 2026 NFL Draft
TL;DR
The Chicago Bears selected wide receiver Zavion Thomas from LSU with the 89th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, adding speed to their offense. This choice surprised many, as the team has pressing needs on the offensive and defensive lines.
Key points
- Chicago Bears selected Zavion Thomas with the 89th pick
- Thomas is a wide receiver from LSU known for his speed
- The pick surprised many due to the Bears' need for offensive and defensive line help
- Thomas could serve as a gadget player and special teams threat
Mentioned in this story
For their final pick on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears went offense once again with their second pick in the third round. After drafting tight end Sam Roush with their earlier pick in the round, Chicago selected wide receiver Zavion Thomas, a pure speed threat coming out of LSU that adds another weapon to the offense. The selection of Thomas comes as a bit of a surprise with Chicago bypassing their need in the trenches on the offensive and defensive lines, but adding another playmaker to head coach Ben Johnson's arsenal of weapons. After trading veteran wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, and losing multiple receivers in free agency this offseason, Chicago added Thomas, who could also be a special teams threat and gadget player in his rookie season. Here’s how the NFL world reacted to Chicago’s selection of Thomas with pick No. 89 in the third round.
NFL world reacts to Bears selecting Zavion Thomas in NFL draft
New Bears WR Zavion Thomas ran a 4.28 40 at the combine
To describe his play style in three short words: pic.twitter.com/qHIPfO1SUO
— Kadin 🐻⬇️ (@renn\_kadin) April 25, 2026 Zavion Thomas is Velus Jones: the Sequel. Nobody can convince me otherwise. Gadget player from the SEC with limited experience being an actual wide receiver, with people justifying the pick because of potentisl special teams value.
— Fancy Boy Brandon (@AwfulMusicFacts) April 25, 2026 The bears newest selection Zavion Thomas (WR) out of LSU. This feels like a reach and unnecessary pick. The defensive needs are much greater. I'll trust in Poles and Ben but not understanding this one
— Mike (@mjfiala23) April 25, 2026 #Bears go WR Zavion Thomas at No. 89. 4.28 40-time but very little production in college at LSU.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) April 25, 2026 No. 89, Chicago Bears: Zavion Thomas, WR, LSU
...man. I didn't think this guy was gonna be picked, let alone a Day 2 guy. He's fast as all hell and can be a good field stretcher, but he struggles against contact. Chicago could find a role for him, but idk
— JP Acosta (@acosta32\_jp) April 25, 2026 Zavion Thomas seems like another reach for the Bears on Day 2. Super fast and versatile. Screams gadget player for Ben Johnson and this offense.
Could be a potential returner but they already have Kalif Raymond. Guessing Johnson has a vision for what he can bring in a package.
— Matt Eurich (@MattEurich) April 25, 2026 Zavion Thomas wasn’t on my radar for #DaBears because he is a little undersized and not the best blocker but…
He has blazing fast deep speed and can turn even a handoff into a huge gain.
I think it’s a bit early for Thomas, (had a 5th Round Grade on him) but I’m going to…
— Rob Schwarz Jr. (@ChiRuxinBGO) April 25, 2026 I love Zavion Thomas.
He’s FAST and can absolutely factor into the offense out of the backfield and as a return man.
But I wonder if the Bears got intel that other teams were interested in him though because I would have thought you could have gotten him at 129
— Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV) April 25, 2026 ZAVION THOMAS WR
He ran routes out wide the majority of his snaps but also saw time in the slot, and his best fit Z receiver.
He scored TDs four different ways across his college career: receiving, rushing, kickoff return, and punt return.
Versatile weapon. #DaBears
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) April 25, 2026 Not sure how the #Bears can justify picking three offensive players on Day 2 of the #NFLDraft, finishing with No.89 pick Zavion Thomas, a WR from LSU. Can’t imagine Dennis Allen is happy about this, and it’s fair to wonder why Ryan Poles didn’t move up to draft DE or DT.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) April 25, 2026 Trust Ryan Poles. But I think Zavion Thomas is a reach. And the need for defense is way too large.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) April 25, 2026 I don't think people understand how much Dennis Allen squeezed out of a defensive roster that was a major misfit for what he likes.
Their FA turnover/moves alone promise improvement.
The Bears' strength is offense. Supercharging it further is totally fine.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) April 25, 2026 Ben Johnson to Ryan Poles in the draft room when he was hired... pic.twitter.com/v31BW098XX
— Jeremy Werner (@JWerner247) April 25, 2026 Woah - Zavion Thomas is related to Walter Payton?! pic.twitter.com/KbXuWhhVCM
— Will DeWitt (@Wi11DeWitt) April 25, 2026 Outside of Logan Jones, I have no idea what the #Bears were thinking tonight. I get it, you've got an offensive-minded HC, but two sizable reaches in a row with quality defensive talent on the board is a tough look.
Makes their FA approach on the DL look even worse.
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) April 25, 2026 I honestly need a night of sleep to think about the Bears' three picks tonight.
I think I'll get back to "In Ben We Trust," which is probably the takeaway.
Team is still building a long-term vision, not taking a last shot at keeping a window open.
— Kevin Kaduk | Bears By 7 (@KevinKaduk) April 25, 2026 Zavion Thomas was the 265th player on the consensus big board. Ben Johnson better be right
— Steve Letizia (@CFCBears) April 25, 2026 Savion Thomas is a Swiss Army knife. Legit a baby Tyreek Hill.
- Elite speed, 4.28 40-yard dash
- Dangerous returner, 3 career TDs
- Competitive blocker
- Elusive
- 4.5% drop rate
- Versatile (handoffs, reverses, screens)
- Sharp at the top of routes pic.twitter.com/hW1z5dEfoo
— Caleb Williams Fan Club (@CalebFC18) April 25, 2026 *This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears draft Zavion Thomas: NFL world reacts to Chicago's pick*
Q&A
Who did the Chicago Bears draft in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Chicago Bears drafted wide receiver Zavion Thomas from LSU with the 89th pick.
What are Zavion Thomas's strengths as a player?
Zavion Thomas is known for his speed, having run a 4.28 40-yard dash, and he adds versatility as a potential gadget player and special teams threat.
Why did the Bears choose Zavion Thomas over other positions?
The Bears opted for Thomas despite needing help on the offensive and defensive lines, likely to bolster their offense after trading DJ Moore and losing other receivers.
What was the NFL community's reaction to the Bears selecting Zavion Thomas?
The reaction was mixed, with some viewing Thomas as a reach due to his limited college production, while others praised his speed and potential impact.
