NFL fans tell the Chicago Bears exactly what they believe about rookie WR Zavion Thomas heading into 2026 training camp
The Chicago Bears have a vacancy at No. 3 wide receiver. Fantasy football managers are buying the hype that third-round draft pick Zavion Thomas could be that guy.
Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas is generating buzz among NFL fans ahead of training camp, and the numbers on fantasy football platforms back it up.
Selected 89th overall in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Thomas has seen his roster percentage on the Sleeper Fantasy Football app climb to over 66.9% of leagues, with 2,300 new additions over the past week alone. Dynasty fantasy football managers are sending Chicago a clear message: They believe Thomas can contribute as early as his rookie season.
Thomas has garnered some hype after earning first-team opportunities during OTAs. The question is whether he can sustain the hype as training camp and the preseason arrive. NFL fans and fantasy football enthusiasts seem to believe this is only just the beginning.
Thomas lands in a unique situation with the Bears
The landing spot for Thomas is noteworthy. The Bears lost DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, leaving the No. 3 wide receiver role in the offense wide open. Chicago still boasts a talented pass-catching group with second-year receivers Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze at the top of the depth chart, along with a strong crop of tight ends headlined by Colston Loveland. The competition for the No. 3 receiver spot comes down to players like veteran Khalif Raymond and Scotty Miller. Both might be better suited to return specialist roles. Thomas has a real opportunity to slide into that third receiver spot with strong training camp and preseason performance.
Thomas spent four seasons in college football, two at Mississippi State and two with the LSU Tigers. He topped 500 receiving yards only once, back in 2023, and has just seven career receiving touchdowns. Those numbers alone won’t blow anyone away. The trait that separates Thomas is his speed. He ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash, giving him legitimate deep-threat ability at the next level.
Why the WR3 role could work in Thomas’ favor
Here’s the thing about being the third wide receiver on an offense: Sometimes it’s a better opportunity than being the No. 1 or No. 2 wideout. With Odunze and Burden commanding attention from opposing defenses, Thomas would frequently draw the opposing team’s third cornerback in coverage. That matchup advantage could create opportunities for explosive plays, particularly if Chicago leans toward 11 personnel.
Coach Ben Johnson is one of the most creative offensive minds in the NFL right now. His ability to scheme players open and manufacture favorable matchups could maximize what Thomas brings to the table. You can never have enough speed on offense, and Thomas certainly provides that element for the Bears.
There are still questions surrounding Odunze heading into the upcoming season. He was productive in the red zone a season ago, but only started 12 games due to injury. If Odunze deals with any setbacks, Thomas could see an even larger role sooner than expected.
Fantasy football managers are betting on Thomas’ potential
The Sleeper Fantasy Football data paints a compelling picture that fans buy the hype for Thomas. These fantasy managers are betting that Thomas’ speed, his favorable matchup outlook, and Johnson’s offensive creativity will combine to produce real production.
There’s still training camp and the preseason to play out. Thomas has to earn his spot on the field and prove he can handle the responsibilities that come with a role in Chicago’s offense. For now, though, he’s in a good position to contribute during the 2026 NFL season. If not immediately, Thomas is poised to eventually make an impact on a Bears team on the rise.