The Chicago Bears selected WR Luther Burden III with the 39th pick in the 2025 NFL draft. This is the second offensive playmaker the Bears have taken in the draft, addressing one of the worst units in the NFL in 2024.
To the surprise of many, Burden wasn’t selected in the first round, as many viewed him as one of the best wide receivers in the draft. There had been rumors about him falling due to his alleged character concerns and lack of a sophisticated route tree.
This meant nothing to Ben Johnson and the Bears, as they have now gone offense in back-to-back picks.
They also held the 41st pick as well, however, they just traded down with the Buffalo Bills.
What Chicago Bears fans need to know about WR Luther Burden III
Burden was one of the most polarizing draft prospects during his first two seasons at Missouri. During his freshman year, he became the first collegiate player since 2008 to record two receiving TDs, two rushing TDs, and a punt-return TD in the same season. His sophomore season was even better, catching 86 passes for 1,212 yards and finding the endzone 9 times.
The reason Burden fell was likely due to his massive downfall in production during his junior season. Expectations were very high heading into the year, but Burden managed just 61 catches and 681 yards, and just 6 touchdowns.
What stands out on tape for Burden is his elite separation skills. His first step is one of the best of all the WR prospects in the field, and will become an immediate deep threat for Caleb Williams in Chicago next season. As I mentioned earlier, Burden is also a burner in the return game, adding to his impressive skill set.
Burden will join a talented receiver room, and likely rule out any chance of the Bears bringing back Keenan Allen. The youth on this offense will be tested early and often.
#Bears Wide Receiver Luther Burden III 2023 Season Highlights. pic.twitter.com/CYJyTA7aOo
— ImBearingDown (@ImBearingDown) April 25, 2025
Standing at 6 feet tall, 208 pounds, Burden is a small receiver and will likely be used in the slot early on. After Colston Loveland was selected 10th last night by the Bears, many are likely surprised that they went offense again. It’s obvious the investment that GM Ryan Poles is making in Caleb Williams.
After selecting Luther Burden III, the Chicago Bears will likely target interior linemen the rest of the way
The thought here was that Chicago would go for an EDGE rusher or tackle. With a few big names on the board, like Marshall DE Mike Green and Minnesota tackle Aireontae Ersery, Burden was the last name I thought I’d hear a few moments ago. Ben Johnson must have a focus on making this offense a heck of a lot better than it was last season.
And who could blame him? After both top picks in 2024 were made on offense (Williams and Rome Odunze), why not double down? The NFL is an offensive league now; you either sink or swim. Johnson comes from an offensive background in Detroit and is making a concerted effort to bring that to Chicago.
With that being said, look for GM Ryan Poles to target a tackle or an EDGE rusher in the next few rounds. The desperate need to add a pass-rush difference maker is still there. Don’t rule out safety as well, or even a cornerback, as Michigan’s Will Johnson continues to wait for his name to be called.
2025 NFL Draft: Chicago Bears fans react to Luther Burden selection
Read MoreFor More Great Chicago Sports Content
Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.
Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
