Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears weren’t desperate to add another wide receiver. With key positions addressed early, the front office could afford to be flexible. Yet, when their second-round pick arrived at No. 39 overall, an unexpected name was still available — Luther Burden III. Projected by many draft experts as a first-round talent, Burden's slide into Day 2 caught plenty of people off guard. Chicago saw the value and pounced, securing a player with the potential to elevate their offense in ways few others could.
Luther Burden III: A Steal in the Second Round
Burden’s fall to the second round was a bit shocking to many analysts who believed his combination of speed, route-running, and versatility would make him a top-32 pick. For the Bears, it felt like fate. Adding Burden to an offense that’s already being reshaped under new Bears head coach Ben Johnson gives Chicago a dynamic weapon capable of lining up both inside and outside. Johnson is known for his creative play designs, and Burden’s skill set fits perfectly with that vision — giving the rookie plenty of chances to make an immediate impact.
Early Setback: Rookie WR Leaves Practice With Injury Concern
However, the buzz around Burden hit a speed bump during Saturday’s rookie minicamp practice. The rookie wide receiver appeared to land awkwardly on his side while making a diving catch. The extent of the injury is still unknown, as offensive coordinator Declan Doyle declined to give details, saying head coach Ben Johnson would address the matter. On the bright side, Burden was able to walk off the field on his own and met with the training staff afterward. For now, Bears fans will have to wait and hope their promising young receiver has avoided a serious setback.
LIVE: Chicago Bears Rookie Mini Camp - Best Highlights & Takeaways!
Comments
Join the discussion below. Keep it civil and focused on the content.
Loading comments...