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Bears Pick 4.28-Second Sprinter Zavion Thomas

6/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Chicago Bears selected rookie Zavion Thomas with the 89th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Thomas ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash and showed ball-carrying toughness during OTAs and minicamp.
Head coach Ben Johnson said Thomas could be a weapon if he learns routes and work ethic.
Analysts advise limiting Thomas’s rookie touches while the Bears keep him as a slot, backfield or return option.

History

Historical Context

In 1975 the Chicago Bears used their first-round pick to draft running back Walter Payton, who would finish with 16,726 rushing yards and 110 rushing touchdowns. Payton’s performance helped Chicago capture Super Bowl XX after the 1985 season, cementing the franchise’s reputation for turning high-profile draft picks into championship leaders. The Bears’ ongoing reliance on draft-day talent frames expectations for future selections.

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Story summary

The Chicago Bears selected rookie Zavion Thomas with the 89th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Thomas ran a 4.28-second 40-yard dash and showed ball-carrying toughness during OTAs and minicamp.
Head coach Ben Johnson said Thomas could be a weapon if he learns routes and work ethic.
Analysts advise limiting Thomas’s rookie touches while the Bears keep him as a slot, backfield or return option.

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