The hype is starting to get real for Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III, who is slowly becoming a great pick for the team from the 2025 NFL Draft.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared some insights he is hearing regarding the second-round pick from Missouri. Bears coaches told Schultz they believe he could be a special player in head coach Ben Johnson's offense.
"Bears rookie WR Luther Burden III has earned strong praise over the last week for the work he’s put in to grasp Ben Johnson’s offense, along with his attention to detail.
Several Chicago coaches tell me there’s no hiding Burden’s immense talent … it’s far better than where he was taken in Round 2 … and if he masters the details, his “upside is huge.”
#Bears rookie WR Luther Burden III has earned strong praise over the last week for the work he’s put in to grasp Ben Johnson’s offense, along with his attention to detail.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 13, 2025
Several Chicago coaches tell me there’s no hiding Burden’s immense talent … it’s far better than where he… pic.twitter.com/AE4Exgl6WM
How special can Burden be for the Bears in 2025 and beyond?
Fans got to see Burden in a Bears uniform for the first time in the team's 24-24 tie with the Miami Dolphins to kick off preseason action. He finished as the second leading receiver on the team with two receptions for 29 yards on three targets.
Burden has blazing speed and burns most corners on deep routes. He didn't get to show that as much in the Dolphins game, but his route-running skills were on display as he looked good in the process.
His expected role in Johnson's offense will be playing in the slot, but he could be moved around. Johnson is doing it with DJ Moore now by letting him line up in the backfield. Burden could be used the same way or might even play some outside receiver.
The Bears have been building this offense since 2023, starting with the trade for DJ Moore during that offseason. Last year, they acquired the young quarterback Caleb Williams, the number one overall pick in the draft, and then wide receiver Rome Odunze in the top 10. Burden was that final piece they needed for the offense.
Read more: NFL writer reveals boom or bust potential of Bears in important 2025 season
Chicago features a stacked offense going into 2025, but the Bears need all of them to get in sync with Johnson's system and run it the way it was run with the Detroit Lions. Burden could play a significant role in shaping the offense's look, not only in 2025 but for years to come.