The Chicago Bears didn’t waste much time finding out what they have in undrafted rookie safety Skyler Thomas.
After veteran safety Coby Bryant suffered a knee injury that is expected to sideline him for 8-10 weeks, Chicago’s depth at the position suddenly became one of the team’s biggest concerns.
Veteran Cam Lewis shifted over to safety, but another interesting development emerged during practice as Thomas received reps with the first team defense…
While one rep ended with rookie tight end Colston Loveland hauling in a diving catch over Thomas on a deep crossing route, the bigger takeaway was the fact that defensive coordinator Dennis Allen trusted the undrafted rookie enough to line him up with the starters in the first place.
Considering how thin the Bears have become at safety, Thomas now has a legitimate opportunity to prove he belongs.
What makes Thomas interesting
GettyBears UDFA Safety Skyler Thomas
Skyler Thomas wasn’t selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, rather signed as a UDFA by the Chicago Bears, but his scouting profile suggests there was never a lack of NFL traits.
The former Oregon State standout checks plenty of boxes from a physical standpoint — He possesses a tall, muscular frame with long arms and plays with an aggressive mindset.
Thomas is comfortable playing in the box, fights through blocks, recognizes plays quickly near the line of scrimmage and isn’t afraid to deliver big hits as a tackler.
Of course Thomas is still raw. His biggest questions come in coverage and his tackling technique can also become inconsistent because he looks for big hits rather than consistently wrapping up.
Those concerns likely contributed to him going undrafted. Still, the physical tools have never been the issue.
Injury creates a golden opportunity
GettyBears UDFA Safety Skyler Thomas
Coby Bryant’s injury changes the competition in Chicago’s secondary entirely.
The Chicago Bears signed Bryant to a three year, $40 million contract this offseason with the expectation that he would stabilize the back end alongside first round rookie Dillon Thieneman. Instead, Bryant’s hyperextended knee, bone bruise and small fracture leave Dennis Allen searching for answers less than a month before week 1. The timing couldn’t be worse.
Elijah Hicks remains on the physically unable to perform list, leaving Lewis, Anthony Johnson Jr., Gervarrius Owens and Thomas competing for defensive snaps.
Allen talked about the challenge while emphasizing that injuries are simply part of the NFL: “Nothing ever goes exactly how you planned.” Allen said. “You have to be able to adjust.”
Thomas’ first team reps make it seem like the coaching staff wants to see whether the rookie can handle a bigger workload.
Now that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s ready to jump Lewis or immediately earn a starting job. Lewis remains the experienced option and figures to have the inside track while Bryant recovers.
However, Thomas has something every undrafted rookie hopes for… Opportunity.
Just a week ago, Thomas looked like a developmental rookie battling for a roster spot.
Now, thanks to an unfortunate injury and an encouraging vote of confidence from the coaching staff, the Chicago Bears may have found themselves an intriguing hidden gem at safety.
Bears May Have Found a Hidden Gem at Safety