Of all the Chicago Bears‘ draft picks this past April, the one that drew the biggest gasp was Zavion Thomas in the 3rd round. Many fans weren’t familiar with the name. In fact, even the experts were shocked by the choice. Many had the LSU wide receiver pegged as a late-round prospect or even an undrafted free agent. Taking him in the 3rd round felt like an appalling reach. Head coach Ben Johnson was unapologetic. He liked Thomas early on in the evaluation process, feeling he was a good returner who had untapped potential as a receiver. Then, of course, there was the game-breaking speed.
However, Thomas did not play in the first two preseason games due to nagging injuries. Saturday night in Nashville finally gave him the opportunity for live reps. When we say he did not waste time, we aren’t exaggerating. On the second drive of the game, the Bears were backed up to their own 3-yard line. Rather than call a run to try and create some breathing room, head coach Ben Johnson went into his bag. He put Thomas out wide. The rookie ran a nasty double move, and Tyson Bagent found him wide open for a 97-yard touchdown.
Zavion Thomas was a problem every time he touched the ball.
The rookie had two more catches in the half for an additional 19 yards, bringing his total to 116. Keep in mind, he was only targeted three times. That is how much damage he did despite not being the primary option. This is what Johnson was talking about. You can’t teach speed. If you can get the ball in this guy’s hands, he has the raw talent to make something happen. If the offensive showcase wasn’t enough for you, Thomas decided to put an exclamation point on things in the 2nd quarter.
After the defense forced a punt, the rookie went back for the return. This time, he was in his element. Thomas took the ball, veered right, and weaved his way for a 39-yard run to give the Bears great field position.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
Yes, it is acknowledged that this is just the preseason. Most of the players Zavion Thomas went against won’t be on the Titans’ main roster by next week. Still, the eye test doesn’t lie. The young man has legitimate skills. Putting him in the hands of a head coach of Johnson’s pedigree might’ve been a mistake by the NFL.
All of this raises an obvious question.
What in the world happened at LSU? How is it that the program never found a way to get Thomas the ball more? Just 64 catches in two seasons feels woefully inadequate and a major missed opportunity. Whatever the reason, it’s pretty clear the Bears won’t make the same mistake. Thomas will have to earn his opportunities like anybody else. Johnson doesn’t hand it to you for free. Even so, the head coach has big plans for the young receiver. That kind of speed is a weapon in so many ways.
The Bears didn’t really have it last season. Luther Burden was probably the closest, but even he doesn’t have the pure zoom that Thomas does. At some point this season, the situation will be right. Johnson will call that deep shot to the rookie. Knowing Caleb Williams’ arm talent, it should be fireworks all the way. As if this offense couldn’t get more exciting. That pick may have looked controversial at the time, but there was always a plan.
