The Chicago Bears had a plan going into the 2nd round of the 2025 draft. After securing playmaking tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick, they hoped to get head coach Ben Johnson some help at running back. Their hearts were set on Ohio State dynamo TreVeyon Henderson. His mix of speed and quickness was what Johnson loved in his backs. Sadly, the New England Patriots got there first, taking Henderson 38th overall, one spot ahead of the Bears. That left GM Ryan Poles with a tough decision. Do they still go for a running back or pivot to somebody high on their board at a different position? With urging from Johnson, he chose the latter, selecting Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden.
It was a divisive decision. Many experts agreed that Burden was one of the most talented receivers in the draft. He was unstoppable in 2023. However, he also came with questions about his maturity and overall dedication to the game. Most saw him as too risky. Johnson wasn’t one of them. One can simply base that off his reaction when it became clear the Bears would land him. It started with a clip of the head coach laughing to himself right before the pick, as if he couldn’t believe Burden was there.
Then, after the selection went through, Johnson stood up and immediately rubbed Poles’ shoulders.
Luther Burden is a perfect fit for Johnson.
He showed in Detroit that he loves wide receivers who can make the most out of every catch they make. Yards after contact are a big deal for him. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams were both good in that category. So is Luther Burden. Williams knows this as well as anybody. The two receivers were teammates in high school. Johnson almost certainly understands what he’s getting into. He is no stranger to working with players who have personality quirks. Jarvis Landry was a constant presence during his time as an assistant in Miami. He also got a taste of Kenny Golladay in Detroit. Williams also has a reputation for being somewhat aloof. Johnson is confident enough in his approach that he can coach anybody. We’re about to find out with Luther Burden.
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