A blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash and dual-threat return ability made LSU wideout Zavion Thomas a third-round pick who can line up at receiver or in the backfield.
Zavion Thomas arrived at LSU by way of Mississippi State and left as one of the draft's fastest players, running a 4.28-second 40-yard dash at the combine. The Louisiana native's blend of receiving, rushing and return production convinced the Bears to spend a third-round pick on him, betting his versatility translates into a multi-purpose offensive weapon.
Path to the league
A John Ehret High School product from Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, Thomas began his college career at Mississippi State, where he earned freshman All-American honors as a punt returner in 2022 before starting eight games in 2023. He transferred to LSU for the 2024 season and was selected by the Bears with the 89th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Career highlights
Thomas earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2025 and finished his LSU career with 716 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 64 catches across 26 games. He also carried the ball 40 times for 198 yards over his final three college seasons and racked up 95 combined kick and punt returns, prompting some draft evaluators to suggest he could see snaps at running back in the NFL.
2025 season recap
In his final season at LSU, Thomas caught 41 passes for 488 yards and four touchdowns while playing primarily as a boundary receiver, production that helped him earn Second-Team All-SEC recognition. His 4.28 forty and open-field ability as a returner were central to the Bears' decision to draft him in the third round.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Zavion Thomas
- Chicago Bears: Bears select LSU WR Zavion Thomas at No. 89 overall
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Wide Receiver
- Group
- offense
- College
- LSU
- Hometown
- Woodmere, LA, USA
- Age
- 22
- Status
- active
