After last year’s disappointing season, the Chicago Bears are reshaping their offensive identity under new head coach Ben Johnson. One goal has seemed to be providing sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams with some new weapons to help him, and the Bears have done just that so far in this draft. After selecting tight end Colston Loveland in the first round, the Bears have once again added a pass catcher in the second round as well.
The Bears Select WR Luther Burden III In Second Round
The Bears have added 6’0” receiver Luther Burden III out of Missouri with the seventh pick of Round 2 (39th overall). There is no doubt that his newest quarterback is smiling from ear to ear after seeing what the new regime is providing for him going into Year 2.
Burden III finished 2024 with six touchdowns and 61 catches for 676 yards, which does not match his production from 2023 (86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns), but that does not take away from his potential.
PSFN’s Ian Cummings notes that “Burden should end up being an instant starting wide receiver at the NFL level. He has some inside-outside versatility with the ability to thrive on jet sweeps and end-arounds, and his YAC ability is arguably the best of any wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft class.”
Cummings admits that growth is still to come for Burden III, but being able to grow in Ben Johnson’s unique offense will be to Burden III’s benefit. The Ben Johnson effect will surely impact the entire wide receiver room, expanding even more with this addition. Let’s look at what Caleb Williams has to use in 2025.
Evaluating the Bears’ 2025 Wide Receiver Depth Chart
- D.J. Moore
- Rome Odunze
- Luther Burden III
- Olamide Zaccheaus
- Devin Duvernay
- Tyler Scott
- Samouri Toure
- Miles Boykin
The Bears’ 2025 receiver room is led by veteran D.J. Moore. Chicago also has sophomore receiver Rome Odunze, Washington Commanders import Olamide Zaccheaus, Miles Boykin, and a cast of others.
The tight ends who will also catch passes this year include fellow rookie Loveland and returning starter Cole Kmet. Lastly, running back D’Andre Swift will also look to electrify the backfield this season, being reunited with Johnson.
With the loss of Keenan Allen, the potential for Burden III to step in and make an impact immediately is at his doorstep. With Moore as the clear No. 1 wideout in Windy City, the number two spot is up for grabs between Odunze and Burden.
Williams has to be excited about the loaded weapons at his disposal.