The Chicago Bears drafted Luther Burden out of Missouri in the 2nd round last month, which surprised many. Nobody disputed the talent. Burden had a rare mix of size, speed, and strength that could make him a superstar at the next level. The problem was that teams weren’t sure about his motivation. He’d earned a reputation for being aloof, soft-spoken, and immature in Missouri. Coaches had to coddle him constantly out of fear he’d transfer. His overbearing girlfriend and mother weren’t helping matters. Chicago has typically avoided such players under GM Ryan Poles in the past. See Jalen Carter.
So what changed?
Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog investigated by contacting some friends in the league. They believe the selection was entirely driven by one man: head coach Ben Johnson.
I know nothing about Luther Burden. What should I know? “Man, we debated him in the leadup to the draft. He was not easy on his coaches at Missouri. They needed to do some serious coddling, and we were concerned about the person, not the player. But I was not surprised the Bears took him because Ben is so confident, he thinks he can coach ANYBODY. Failing to the second round will probably be good for the kid because there will be less pressure, less attention him. And athletically, he’s a clean prospect. We saw some Deebo there.”
This isn’t surprising. Johnson coached plenty of notable characters during his time with the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Jameson Williams had personality concerns coming out of Alabama. He worked with the outspoken Jarvis Landry in Miami as a position coach. It’s easy to understand why he’d feel he can handle Burden.
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Luther Burden finally has coaches who will hold him accountable.
His college staff was at his mercy because of the transfer portal. There is no such thing in the NFL. The wide receiver is locked in for the next four years. That means Johnson and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El are free to develop him as they think he should. These are two men notorious for being detailed and disciplined with players. Williams found that out in Detroit. They won’t be afraid to get in your face when you aren’t doing your job. We’re about to discover how committed Luther Burden is to becoming great.
Cris Carter once said when Minnesota drafted Randy Moss that the rookie was going to do one of two things under his mentorship: work or quit. Burden faces the same reality in Chicago. Johnson believes he knows how to get the most from the young receiver. We’re about to find out if his confidence is well-placed.