Luther Burden III, the Chicago Bears’ second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 39 overall), is poised to make a significant impact on the team’s offense this season. The former Missouri Tigers’ wideout, who was selected to bolster an already stacked roster, brings a dynamic skill set that could elevate the Bears’ passing game to new heights.

He is a dynamic presence in the Windy City, and just yesterday…..he made his first appearance at a Bears’ practice donning the navy and orange.

Burrrr Down 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/2Eu5bkIheU

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 9, 2025

Burden looks like a natural in those colors, after rocking the black and gold for Mizzou the past three years. During his time in college, for those of you who are unaware; Burden really showcased his playmaking ability, amassing 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns across 38 games. His 2023 season was particularly impressive, with 83 receptions for 1,197 yards and eight touchdowns, including five consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards. Even in a less productive 2024 season, he was still able to lead his squad with 6 touchdowns to go along with 115 rushing yards as well.

The best part about the former Tiger? His impact on the Bears could be immediate. His elite run-after-catch ability, with a 94th-percentile separation rate and a class-leading 49% forced missed tackle rate on catches, makes him a NIGHTMARE for defenders. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has emphasized finding ways to get Burden touches, likely starting in the slot to complement Moore and Odunze on the outside.

For Caleb Williams, Burden represents a reliable target who can turn short passes into big gains, potentially accelerating the young quarterback’s development. While a crowded receiving room might limit his initial target share, Burden’s competitive nature and explosive athleticism suggest he could emerge as a key piece in Chicago’s quest for greatness this upcoming season.

Simply put; this man is going to be an absolute PROBLEM next season. Keep an eye on the Bears……because they may end up having one of the best (if not THE BEST) receiving cores in the league. But in the end, as always…..what do I know? I’m just a guy from the Midwest, with a beer and a laptop, trying to make sense of this world.