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3 things to know about Chicago Bears rookie Zach Thomas

By Parker Hurley

Oct 15, 2021; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans defensive lineman Cade Hall (92) is blocked by San Diego State Aztecs offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (76) during the third quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2021; San Jose, California, USA; San Jose State Spartans defensive lineman Cade Hall (92) is blocked by San Diego State Aztecs offensive lineman Zachary Thomas (76) during the third quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Bears drafted Zach Thomas, an offensive lineman from San Diego State. He is the older brother of Cameron Thomas, who was selected in this same draft. With a day three selection Thomas will have to fight to earn a roster spot. Still, there is plenty of upside in this pick, and a team that needed offensive line depth in the worst way found some.

What are some things to know about the Chicago Bears’ newest rookie Zach Thomas?

3. Zach Thomas snaps and alignments

Zach Thomas redshirted during his freshman season and did not start his RS freshman year. He got work at right guard during RS Sophomore year, but a knee injury ended his year after just two starts.

Thomas bounced back the next season and wound up getting nine starts at right tackle.

Thomas took that spot and ran with it, and while the 2020 season was short due to the pandemic, he was able to play eight games and start all eight at right tackle. Then, in 2021 the team asked him to move over to the left side. He did so and finished with 12 starts on the right side.

Overall Thomas has 17 starts at Right Tackle, 12 at Left Tackle, and 2 at Right Guard. He comes Into the NFL at 23 years old, but also comes in with 2,120 snaps. He spent 1,207 snaps at right tackle, his most prominent spot, but also spent 858 snaps at left tackle.

Still, a lot of people see him going back to right guard in the NFL, which is where he initially started. Considering the Chicago Bears have a hole there they will probably have him competing at right guard.

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