Chicago Bears 2025 second-round pick wide receiver Luther Burden III proved late in the season that he can step up and be the guy they need him to be.
It was a slow start to the season, but he ended up catching 47 of his 60 targets for 652 yards and two touchdowns on the season. Some are wondering, though, if he will be able to follow that up with another step forward in the 2026 season.
The skills are there with Burden, as he showed off his speed and hands time and time again when Rome Odunze was out injured. Bears fans have to see that again in 2026.
Can Luther Burden have a breakout 2026 season with better numbers?
Bleacher Report writer Brent Sobleski shared his list of the top-50 picks from the 2025 NFL Draft that could have big leaps in their second seasons. Burden found himself on that list.
"The Chicago Bears were believed to be in the wide receiver market after trading DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills, but the the team never drafted a direct replacement from the 2026 class. Instead, second-year target Luther Burden III will shift into Moore's old role. Yes, Chicago chose Zavion Thomas in this year's third round. However, he's nothing more than a speedster to stretch the field, at least early in his career. Whereas, Burden was once viewed as a top-10 talent who didn't perform up to expectations during his final season on campus. His skill set didn't dissipate, though. Burden contributed 652 yards as a rookie despite being the Bears' fourth option.
The Bears could confidently move Moore (and his contract) knowing that Burden can step in and be as effective.
Chicago's offense, specifically quarterback Caleb Williams, should keep rolling along with Burden serving as a bigger part of the unit."
As WR2, Burden will at least be able to be sent deep more often and be used the best way he should be. Bears head coach Ben Johnson, at times last year, would only use him for screen passes, but once Odunze was hurt, Burden was used in the right way and sent deep.
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This Bears offense is going to look different with DJ Moore gone, but Burden showed last year that he is ready for be in the spotlight.
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