Luther Burden Has Experts Shocked After Preseason Debut

Austin Booker stole the show for the Chicago Bears in the preseason opener. He dominated the Miami Dolphins' offensive line for three sacks and almost had at least two others. While the competition may not have been elite, it was a surefire sign that he's made rapid progress from last season. However, the other name that drew a lot of attention was Luther Burden. The 2nd round wide receiver from Missouri wasn't getting much national buzz after missing most of the spring with a hamstring injury. He only caught two passes for 29 yards in the game.

So what is the buzz about?

Much of it stems from how he looked. Experts already knew Burden had excellent speed. He could chew up space remarkably fast and make it seem effortless. Yet what has surprised many was how good he looked running routes. He showed a veteran savvy against accomplished defensive backs, particularly on his big 3rd down conversion that led to the team's first touchdown. Evidence suggests Tyson Bagent missed two touchdown opportunities on back-to-back plays because he didn't look Burden's way.

Luther Burden just looks like an NFL wide receiver.

They always say there is timed speed and field speed. This rookie has the latter. He glides in and out of cuts and can accelerate to create separation. His tape shows the ability to use his hands to subtly nudge defensive backs off of his body without drawing interference penalties. This doesn't look like a raw talent who needs development. Luther Burden has enough knowledge to play immediately. Suddenly, the Bears might have one of the deeper receiving corps in the NFL. They already had D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze going into this year. They added Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency, who's had a terrific camp. Throw Burden on top of that pile and Chicago may have more options than any defense can handle.