Bears' Luther Burden III gives the team a much needed element while continuing to improve an area that already received a major boost in 2025

When the Chicago Bears were on the clock with the 39th overall pick in the second-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the draft room was stunned to see wide receiver Luther Burden III still on the board.

It made for an easy decision with the team's second selection of the draft, even if the team already had two top weapons in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze along with two other free agent additions at the position.

Having a stable of offensive weapons is never a bad thing, as long as you can keep everyone happy with their share of the action. Head coach Ben Johnson, however, emphasized that in order to receive more opportunities to get the ball, you need to shine when the ball isn't in your hands.

That means blocking well, running hard routes even when you're not the top guy in the progression, and simply doing all the little things right.

For an all-around offensive weapon like Burden, he justifiably wants to see the ball early and prove he can be a trustworthy guy to turn to for the offense, but understands what the expectation is working with his new play-caller.

"It's definitely important that we gotta do the small things when we don't have the ball," Burden explained. "My mindset is that every time I get the ball, I'm trying to make the play-caller give me the ball some more. I'm always trying to make a play."

But, making plays with the ball in your hands doesn't just have to come on offense, which makes having such a versatile guy like Burden so valuable to have on the team. As a returner on special teams, the exciting rookie brings a lot to the table as well.

"I see it as an ongoing competition, as we always have at the returner spot," special teams coordinator Richard Hightower said. "So, [Burden will] be a candidate."