Not many receivers are as fast as Chicago Bears rookie Zavion Thomas, who posted a 4.28 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. That speed was on display during his 97-yard touchdown in Chicago’s preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans as well as other plays throughout the game.
Besides his speed, Thomas also has an elite work ethic. Fellow receiver Kalif Raymond, who is going into his 10th season in the NFL, has already taken note of how Thomas is going about things in practice and is really excited for the type of player Chicago’s third round pick out of LSU could be.
“He’s not a guy you have to push to want it,” Raymond said. “After practice, I’m catching jugs and he’s right there getting extra work, doing his ankle exercises every day.
When you combine that work ethic with 4.28 speed, great hands and route setup, I’m so excited for him.”
Thomas played a total of four years in college, the first two with Mississippi State and the final two with LSU. During his final season with the Tigers, Thomas put up nearly 600 scrimmage yards between his receiving and rushing yards as well as serving as LSU’s punt returner.
In 2024, he also excelled as a kick returner with the most returns (24) and return yards (633) out of anyone in the SEC. He also had a kick return for a touchdown that season and a punt return for a touchdown his freshman year with Mississippi State.
With Thomas' impressive special teams background, it was not surprising when he got snaps at kick returner and punt returner during the preseason. His performance during training camp and the preseason should ultimately earn him time as a punt returner and kick returner during the 2026 season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Kalif Raymond had high praise for Bears rookie WR Zavion Thomas
