The Chicago Bears continued to address the offensive line on Day 3 of the NFL draft. After adding Southern Utah’s Braxton Jones, the Bears selected San Diego State’s Zach Thomas with the 186th overall pick.
Thomas has 31 career starts for the Aztecs, where he’s played three different positions along the offensive line. He’s started 17 games at right tackle, 12 at left tackle and two at right guard.
A four-year starter, Thomas has displayed great athleticism in San Diego State’s zone-run scheme. The Bears will likely move him to guard, and there’s currently a vacant right guard starting job up for grabs.
At 6’4, 308 pounds and 33.9” arms, he’s the typical zone blocking lineman – lighter than the average with shorter arms than the average. Nevertheless, Thomas wins quickness and explosion out of his stance, allowing him to cut off defenders and get to the second level on linebackers.
He’ll need to improve his pass protection, but he adds much-needed depth to the offensive line.
