The Bears on Monday signed sixth-round draft pick Zachary Thomas, a tackle from San Diego State, to a four-year contract.
The versatile 6-5, 308-pounder started games at right tackle, left tackle and right guard during six seasons with the Aztecs. He redshirted as a true freshman in 2016 and took advantage of an additional year of eligibility due to COVID-19 in 2021.
Thomas became San Diego State's starting right tackle in 2019, opening the final nine games, and remained there in 2020, earning second-team all-Mountain West honors. Last season he moved to left tackle, opening 12 contests and being named first-team all-conference.
Thomas was teammates at San Diego State with his younger brother, Cameron, a defensive end who was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the third round.
Thomas is the eighth of the Bears' 11 draft picks to sign his rookie contract. The only remaining unsigned selections are the top three choices: second-round cornerback Kyler Gordon, second-round safety Jaquan Brisker and third-round receiver Velus Jones Jr.
With the 186th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Bears select San Diego State offensive lineman Zachary Thomas.