For the second time in as many years, the Chicago Bears took a playmaking wide receiver early in the NFL Draft. This time, they went with Missouri star Luther Burden III, one of the most promising prospects in his class.
It took him a while, but the 21-year-old playmaker finally showed why the team was so high on him. After logging just two catches in his first two games, he broke out for a team-high 101 receiving yards in Week 3.
Bears Need to Unleash Luther Burden III
Burden turned three targets into as many receptions, and that included a 65-yard bomb on a flea flicker. He also logged the first touchdown of his young career, giving the fans just a glimpse of what life with him can be like.
The Bears have taken things slowly with their prized rookie. He's played 18, 12, and 17 snaps so far, yet it will be very difficult to keep him off the field when he clearly gives this offense another dynamic weapon and big-play specialist.
Ben Johnson is known for his creativity as a play-caller and play-designer, and Burden's speed makes him the type of versatile weapon he had in Jameson Williams in his three years with the Detroit Lions. That's the type of role they need to give him.
Olamide Zaccheaus has played twice as many snaps as him (94) and has four more receptions, yet he's logged fewer receiving yards (78). Burden was lethal in the slot in college, and given his upside and age, there's no reason not to play him over Zaccheaus.
Caleb Williams Is High on Luther Burden III
Burden has already made his mark, and he's got his quarterback's stamp of approval. Following the big win, Caleb Williams foreshadowed more big plays and strong performances from his new pass-catcher:
"As you all know, as Luther said, if you get the ball in his hands, it's a problem," Williams said. "We always want to be able to get our guys the ball. And today I think Luther showed up big time for us. He's continuing to grow. We're excited for him and his growth. And I think being able to get him the ball builds a lot of confidence for him, a lot of trust between us and the coaches and myself as his QB, and we're going to keep growing and he's going to be a big playmaker for us."
The Bears got off to a slow start, and things won't get much easier in a road date with the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. Hopefully, his mini-breakout game will be enough for Burden to get some much-deserved playing time. He's just getting started.