The Chicago Bears did not regret their swerve during the draft last month when they took LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas in the 3rd round. Most experts saw him going in the later rounds or even undrafted. Head coach Ben Johnson saw a unique talent who could do all sorts of different things. He was a speedy vertical threat with great return talent. Beyond that, he was deceptively strong for his size, showcasing an ability to break tackles after the catch. That presented opportunities for creative play designers like Johnson.
Yet that isn’t likely what drew the Bears to Thomas. Something about his mental makeup spoke to them. They didn’t just see a raw talent needing development. They saw somebody itching to get better. Coaches found that out from the moment he arrived for practices at Halas Hall. Special teams coordinator Richard Hightower met with the rookie during minicamps and was asked a question. It wasn’t the usual one you expect about specific responsibilities and assignments. It was much grander in scope.
“He’s eager to be great. … One of his first questions was, ‘Why, coach, do most rookies not succeed in the NFL? What holds people back?’ So that told me right there about his mindset.”
Zavion Thomas already demonstrates clear maturity.
Most rookies wouldn’t have the humility or wherewithal to ask a question like that. They’re too focused on getting into the playbook and excited about finally being in the NFL. They don’t stop to wonder what will truly be required for them to find success at this level. Thomas did. He knows that if he’s going to reach his potential, he must embrace the work habits of a professional. That means making some serious sacrifices. You must be willing to devote time and energy beyond usual practices and film sessions to hone your craft.
That is what Hightower and the other coaches would’ve told him. There is no big secret to NFL success. Many players have the talent to make it at this level. It is a simple fact that most of them aren’t willing to put in the extra work. Jerry Rice didn’t become the greatest because of his pure skill. He was the son of a bricklayer. Hard work was wired into his DNA, and it carried him to the top. It sounds like Thomas is mentally prepared to do the same. All he needs is guidance on the right habits.
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The Bears’ focus on character continues to show.
Through the first few years of Ryan Poles’ tenure as general manager, the team was focused on finding elite physical specimens they could hopefully mold into great players. That only works if you have a great coaching staff, which the Bears did not. Johnson did not want to take such chances once he took over. That is why he instructed Poles to shift strategies. Moving forward, the Bears would put a much higher premium on football character. They want guys who love the game and love the grind. Take football away and they won’t know what to do.
It sounds like that encapsulates Zavion Thomas. He went through a lot to reach this point. His college career didn’t go as planned. His head coach at Mississippi State was fired in Thomas’ second season. Then, after transferring to LSU, his head coach was again fired in his second season. Combine that with quarterback injuries and he never really got the chance to fully discover how good he could be. It sounds like he is more determined than ever to make the most of this opportunity.
