Is the Chicago Bears’ plan to just score 50 points every game next season? The team hired Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to serve as the head coach of the franchise, and he’s made it a point to surround quarterback Caleb Williams with as many weapons as possible next season.
The team traded for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson in March, solidifying the blocking unit ahead of their young face of the franchise. Then, in Round 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the team took Michigan tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall.
Of course, Johnson and the Bears didn’t rest on their laurels on Day 2. With their second-round pick, the team took one of the most explosive receivers in the class.
Chicago Bears Select Luther Burden III In Round 2 Of 2025 NFL Draft
With Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore already in place, plus a new tantalizing tight end tandem of Loveland and Cole Kmet, the Bears already had a talented receiving corps.
However, it was clear that the team could use a WR3 when Keenan Allen was allowed to walk this offseason, and Chicago found their man with the 39th overall pick in the draft, selecting Missouri wideout Luther Burden III.
LB3 in the Windy City 🏙️
Welcome to Chicago, @lutherburden3! pic.twitter.com/4joJc3tJfp
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears)
In PFSN’s scouting report on the Missouri product, Jacob Infante writes that Burden is an explosive playmaker who is especially dangerous with the ball in his hands. Just by taking a peek at his college stats, you can see how that adds up.
Given Burden’s high profile coming into college, it was no surprise that Missouri made an effort to get him involved. He caught 45 passes for 375 yards and scored six receiving touchdowns as a freshman.
The Tigers utilized his talents in space in other ways, as he also ran for a touchdown and returned a punt for a score. His eight offensive touchdowns led all true freshmen in the FBS in 2022.
After starting primarily out wide in 2022, Burden saw his production jump tremendously the more he played in the slot in 2023. He was a first-team All-SEC player and second-team All-American as a true sophomore, tallying 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns.
Burden generated a significant amount of NFL interest coming into his junior year, but Missouri didn’t target him as much in the passing game. Though his catch target percentage increased in 2024, he fell to 61 catches with 676 yards, which perhaps explains his fall to Round 2.
Still, Burden’s versatility should make him extremely valuable in Johnson’s offense, as the offensive mastermind loves utilizing gadget players and trick plays to keep defenses on their toes.
The Bears now have one of the deepest, most malleable offensive lineups in the NFL, with Johnson calling the plays. Anything less than a massive jump from Williams in his sophomore campaign will be a disappointment.
