Luther Burden fell to the 2nd round of the 2025 draft. Finding reasons for that varied. Here was a young wide receiver being mentioned in the same breath as Ja’Marr Chase going into the 2024 season at Missouri. An unfortunate down year statistically, which wasn’t entirely his fault, led to his stock dipping. There were also whispers about attitude problems and his lack of desire to practice. Whatever the primary reasons were, Burden fell to 39th overall, where the Chicago Bears scooped him up.
It is already becoming apparent that other teams might’ve made a grievous error by letting that happen. After an extended stint out of practice with a hamstring issue, Burden has been a legitimate force throughout Bears camp. The Miami Dolphins had problems dealing with him in joint practice last week. Then he made two key catches in the preseason game to set up two scoring opportunities. By the sound of things, the mighty Buffalo Bills didn’t have many answers for him either. Several onlookers noted how frequently the receiver stood out.
While primarily playing with the second team, Luther Burden III showed why the Bears made him the No. 39 pick in April.
Burden, who stands 6′ 0″ and 210 pounds, was able to shake free on a few in-breaking routes at intermediate depth in team periods, while also making contested catches when he failed to gain separation. On one of the final plays of practice in a team drill, Burden snagged the ball between two Buffalo defensive backs to a roar of the crowd before getting up and exalting.
Luther Burden has consistently been creating separation all of camp
Another big time catch over the middle and put the moves on the defender with the 2’s
— DaWindyCity Productions (@dwcprodz) August 15, 2025
Luther Burden fights through pass interference for a big gain on a back shoulder along the sideline
— Steve Palazzolo (@StevePalazzolo_) August 15, 2025
Back to back catches from Luther Burden in 11 on 11s for the 2nd team.
1st one was a beautifully executed back shoulder throw.
The 2nd was over the middle as Burden tried to shake a defender and the Bills with a late hit and a flag. But Burden didn't respond to it.
— Greg Braggs Jr. (@GBraggsJr23) August 15, 2025
Luther Burden may finally exorcise some demons for the Bears.
They’ve had a run of bad luck drafting wide receivers in recent years. David Terrell, Mark Bradley, Kevin White, and Anthony Miller were all taken in the 1st or 2nd rounds since 2000. All were busts. The only bright spot was Alshon Jeffery, and even that ended poorly due to contract issues. Then you had the Velus Jones pick in 2022 and the trade for Chase Claypool later that same year. GM Ryan Poles had plenty of people questioning his ability to evaluate the position. It already looks like Rome Odunze is on the cusp of a breakout campaign this year with his stellar camp. Now you have Luther Burden ascending far more rapidly than anybody expected. If those two carry what they’ve done this month into the regular season, the Bears will be a team nobody wants to play.