The Chicago Bears added plenty of new faces at Halas Hall this offseason, and most of it was an attempt to revive their offense. Head coach Ben Johnson was the first to walk through the doors, and it led to several additions to make life easier for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
One move was to add a dynamic playmaker that could become a weapon in Johnson’s offense. While he may have big visions for the rookie, it’s more likely that fans will be disappointed with his production as he looks to become a force in Chicago.
Luther Burden’s Minicamp Absence Could Lead to Bears Disappointment
The Bears selected receiver Luther Burden III in the second round of April’s draft, coming off a productive career at Missouri. The 21-year-old put himself on the draft radar with 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns in 2023, but he regressed as the Tigers did in 2024 with 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns.
No one is doubting Burden’s athleticism, which includes a 4.41 time in the 40-yard dash and the ability to rack up yards after the catch. But his route tree was simplified in Kirby Moore’s scheme, giving him a key element to work on as he begins his professional career.
While it’s not a death sentence, Burden has to be on the field to improve. That is something he wasn’t able to do during minicamp due to injury. Johnson described Burden’s ailment as a “soft tissue” injury but expressed his frustrations over not getting the rookie on the field.
“He misses a lot,” Johnson said of Burden’s absence. “I mean, anytime you’re not out there, if you’re in the training room, when the rest of the guys are practicing, you’re losing valuable time.”
That time becomes more valuable when you look at the depth chart. D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze are locked in as the starters on the outside, but Burden has to overtake Olamide Zaccheaus for playing time in the slot. That sounds like a house of cards after Zaccheaus had 45 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns last season, but ESPN’s Bill Barnwell reported that Bears coaches love him and not to be surprised if he’s on the field more than expected.
This feels like Burden’s path is blocked towards playing time, although Johnson is creative enough to get the ball in his hands. If gadget plays don’t work to his advantage, Burden could have a disappointing stat line during his rookie season.