The Bears selected Missouri WR Luther Burden III with the 39th pick of Round 2 in the 2025 NFL Draft. After a promising freshman season, Burden took the nation by storm in 2023 (86-1,209-9). The Missouri product ranked top-20 nationally in catches and yards. Playing a short-range role, he also averaged a huge 8.4 yards after catch per reception. There are questions off the field with allegations that Burden didn’t practice during his final season, excused by the team. He also ranked 22nd among Combine WRs in 2024 target share at 19.9%, and 21st among those WRs in PFF Receiving Grade with an 80.2. Now, his early breakout age of 18.7 shows NFL promise. And he still ranked fourth in this WR class in our predraft Rookie Model Score (7.86). His play style reminded us of former Packers WR Randall Cobb.
Burden should be a unique weapon in new HC Ben Johnson's offense.
With the addition of Colston Loveland along with Burden, the Bears have a loaded room with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.
Burden's redraft value is certainly capped with all the weapons around him. Don't expect him to be more than a WR4
Burden is a better dynasty bet than redraft bet, but the Bears are locked into Loveland, Moore, and Odunze for the next few years.
He likely ends up as a second round rookie pick in 1-QB leagues.
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