Bears coach says what fans are starting to learn about Luther Burden III

One of the standouts of the Chicago Bears' training camp was no doubt rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III.

Coming in as a second-round pick, the expectations were already high for Burden, who has been seen as the future starting slot receiver to team up with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. After dealing with a soft tissue injury at the beginning of camp, Burden worked his way into the good graces of his coaches and earned the respect of them and his teammates.

Burden finished the preseason with five receptions for 78 yards, including a 22-yard completion for his long. The biggest contribution he made was blocking in the run game, as evident in the shutout win over the Buffalo Bills, where he secured two key blocks that caught the attention of even the general manager, Ryan Poles, during an interview on the FOX broadcast.

Going into the regular season, Burden was listed as the third string behind Moore and Olamide Zaccheaus on the Bears' unofficial depth chart for Week 1. Burden's big contribution to the team will most likely be on special teams, and he has certainly caught the attention of one of his coaches.

Bears special teams coach hoping to hang on to Burden for a bit

While speaking with the media on Friday, Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower spoke glowingly about Burden and what he has meant to the team. Hightower recognized that Burden can't be a special teams ace for him for long.

"One thing about Luther Burden, he's as smooth as they come," Hightower said via the Chicago Tribune's Phillip Thompson. "I don't know how long we'll have him because he's going to be a really good wideout."

Burden will likely play a role in kickoff coverage due to his speed in getting down the field. His efforts in pass blocking during the preseason should be enough for fans to realize the type of player Burden is.

That is what is making him a growing fan favorite is his ability to do whatever it takes to help the team win. Keeping that mindset throughout the season will get Burden on the field eventually on offense.

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This will be a slow burn for Burden, but his work ethic will lead to success, and seeing him catch touchdowns from Caleb Williams plenty of times in his career.