Bears rookie making quick impression on coaching staff

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III is already making a strong impression on rookie head coach Ben Johnson, who has not been shy about holding the second-round pick to a very high standard. Burden, a former standout at Missouri, has very quickly caught the eye of the coaching staff with his elite play speed, competitiveness and big play ability. 

"I was really impressed…" Johnson said, via ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "He's still working on the alignment and the details as you would expect for a young player, but the play-speed jumped off the tape to us all.”

Chicago drafted Burden with the 39th overall pick in April to play alongside star DJ Moore and second year wideout Rome Odunze. Wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El had vouched for Burden throughout the predraft process, and it has not taken very long for the rookie to show why. Burden knows there’s still work to do, especially when it comes to mastering the playbook and refining the nuances of the offense. But the early returns are promising.

"I feel like I can do everything in this offense," Burden said, via Cronin. "I'm just really trying to get my feet wet, get situated on the field and learn my playbook. I feel like everything else will take care of itself."

The Bears had an aggressive offseason that has ramped up expectations for the team heading into the 2025 season. Second year quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to take a big step, especially after a somewhat disappointing 2024 campaign. The team prioritized surrounding Williams with as much talent as possible, including additions such as guard Joe Thuney, rookie tight end Colston Loveland and the aforementioned Burden. 

The team so far has been a work in progress. With so many new faces and a very inexperienced quarterback, the Bears training camp has not been clicking at full go. This includes Burden, who so far has made a bunch of noise, but has been far from perfect. 

Fortunately, the team has a few more weeks to iron out the wrinkles, and the preseason could be a great chance for guys like Burden to become more comfortable in the offense.