The Chicago Bears have made a significant addition to their offense by selecting Luther Burden III, a talented wide receiver from Missouri, with the No. 39 pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Burden, a three-year starter at Missouri, primarily played in the slot for the Tigers and earned recognition as a two-time first-team All-SEC selection in both 2023 and 2024. In the previous season, he showcased his skills by catching 61 passes for 676 yards and scoring six touchdowns, while also contributing 115 rushing yards and two additional touchdowns.
In a standout performance during Missouri's early-season victory over Boston College, Burden recorded a season-high 117 yards on six receptions, including a touchdown. His sophomore season in 2023 was particularly impressive, as he surpassed 100 receiving yards in six games, tallying 86 receptions for 1,212 yards at an average of 14.1 yards per catch, along with nine touchdowns. This remarkable season earned him a second-team All-America selection from the Associated Press and made him a semifinalist for the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, which honors the most outstanding receiver in college football. Over his three-year collegiate career, Burden accumulated a total of 192 receptions for 2,263 receiving yards and scored an impressive 26 touchdowns, with 21 of those being receiving touchdowns.
According to Dane Brugler, a draft expert from The Athletic, Burden was the third-highest rated wide receiver on his big board, following Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Texas’ Matthew Golden. Brugler ranked Burden at No. 27 in his top 300 prospects, stating, “With his run-after-catch skills, Burden saw a high volume of quick-hitters and crossers, showcasing his burst and physicality to shake defenders. His route running is a work in progress, but he adapts well to errant throws. Overall, Burden excels at creating plays with the ball in his hands, thanks to his explosive speed and competitive toughness. He is an appealing option for NFL teams looking for a YAC (yards after catch) weapon with potential.”
Analyzing the selection, Scott Dochterman graded the pick as a value choice for Chicago, noting that while Burden has the ability to enhance the passing game, he may not fully align with the Bears' immediate needs. This selection signifies that the team is gearing up for an explosive offensive strategy under Ben Johnson, although some gaps remain in the roster. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 206 pounds, Burden was viewed as a top-five draft prospect entering the 2024 season after an impressive 2023 campaign. However, his numbers took a hit last fall, likely due to injuries affecting Missouri’s offensive unit. Nonetheless, he projects to be a potential No. 1 receiver, ready to make an impact from day one, earning a grade of B-minus.
Burden adds a valuable component to the Bears' receiving corps, complementing established players like Rome Odunze and DJ Moore. Notably, 85.3% of Burden's snaps in 2024 came from the slot, a position where Johnson previously found success with Amon-Ra St. Brown during his tenure in Detroit. While expectations are high, Burden's versatility is evident as he is capable of playing in various positions. Bears' director of college scouting, Breck Ackley, emphasized that Burden's ability to adapt to multiple roles will open up the offense. “We envision a system where players can move around, making it difficult for defenses to predict,” he explained. “Burden possesses the route-running skills and physicality to win both outside and inside.”
As Burden integrates into the Bears' lineup, he will compete for playing time in various personnel groupings, particularly between 12 personnel with two tight ends and 11 personnel with three wideouts. This versatility allows Burden to join Odunze and Moore on the field, presenting a potent offensive strategy. With Burden stepping in as the primary slot receiver, he will likely surpass free-agent addition Olamide Zaccheaus, 2023 fourth-round pick Tyler Scott, and veteran signee Devin Duvernay. His return experience could also be beneficial for special teams, given his history of a 78-yard punt-return touchdown in 2022.
While the Bears opted for Burden, they had other needs that could have been addressed, such as adding a lineman or running back. Top prospects like Aireontae Ersery, an offensive tackle from Minnesota, JT Tuiomolau, an edge rusher from Ohio State, and Kaleb Johnson, a running back from Iowa, were among the players available. After trading the 41st pick to Buffalo, it became evident that the Bears did not prioritize these positions high enough to justify an early Round 2 selection. As the team looks to bolster their offensive capabilities for quarterback Caleb Williams, they must also consider the protection and support on his blind side.
The choice of Burden surprised some analysts, especially after selecting Colston Loveland, who could also serve as a “big slot” in the offense. Nevertheless, Burden fulfills a crucial need for the Bears, addressing the significant drop-off at receiver beyond Moore and Odunze, especially considering that Zaccheaus is on a one-year deal. With Burden's exceptional performance in college, highlighted by 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, he brings outstanding speed to Johnson’s offensive scheme. “We are searching for players who can excel both in route running and after the catch,” Ackley noted. “Burden’s ability to win in various ways—whether through speed, physicality, or elusiveness—will make him an invaluable asset for our offense.”
