LSU wideout Zavion Thomas (WO38) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The preseason could not have closed on a better note for the Chicago Bears. The Monsters of the Midway defeated the Tennessee Titans 24-15 in the preseason finale, most of which was led by Zavion Thomas.
The rookie wide receiver put up a stunning 97-yard touchdown on the opening play for the Bears. It was a dream debut for the third-round pick, and it came at a time when the 53-man roster decision was just around the corner.
However, while his performance attracted eyeballs all around the football community, let’s discuss whether Thomas’ performance against the Titans was something, nothing, or everything for the Bears.
Zavion Thomas' performance vs. Titans was something, but not quite everything
Given it was his debut, Thomas pulled off an impressive performance. His first NFL game, though in the preseason, concluded with five catches for 140 yards, which also included a 22-yard kickoff and a 39-yard punt return.
A role he will most likely fill if he makes the cut for the final roster is a returner or an explosive gadget player in the offense. Picked 89th overall in the third round, Thomas has somewhat of an edge in positional versatility and special teams value.
According to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, there’s skepticism around his overall potential even though Thomas is an absolute force with his speed.
“Thomas lacks gaudy production as a receiver, but his athleticism, versatility, and return talent could bolster his roster value. He has average size with enough vertical speed to stress defenses downfield. He’s average in beating man coverage underneath and struggles finishing catches through contact. His vision, burst, and elusiveness as a runner make the evaluation more interesting. Thomas is likely to be viewed as a WR5 candidate with value as a return man, but teams could dig a little deeper on his potential as a running back,” Zierlein wrote in his report.
Article Continues Below
In the weaknesses mentioned in his scouting report, his height at 5'10” could be a deciding factor when he goes up against bigger and more physically dominant players in the league.
His stem work also needs some work, as it is difficult to outrun opponents on advanced concepts and get away with it.
More than the stat line itself, it's his confidence that speaks volumes about what’s still there to achieve in the regular season.
It is also worth noting that Thomas is the third-fastest player during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. While his natural catching form was something the scouting report noted, Thomas still made a great impression with his speed and agility.
He ran a 4.28 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine. And with such a high-intensity, high-explosion portfolio, Thomas will fit perfectly in Ben Johnson's game plan alongside young wide receivers Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze.
Thomas should make the roster. He will have to make impactful plays and earn a defined role on the offense, but his special teams contributions alone make this something to watch.