Chicago Bears rookie put on red alert entering training camp

The Bears already had a pair of potent receivers in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Both are expected to operate on the outside and be premier targets for quarterback Caleb Williams. While Johnson will surely shuffle his offense around, Burden is expected to operate predominantly in the slot.

It’s a role he filled successfully over his three years at Missouri. Over 38 games, the receiver caught 192 passes for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns. His breakout season came as a junior, when Burden set new career-highs in receptions (86), yardage (1,212) and touchdowns (nine). Burden was named First-team All-SEC, earning the same honor as a senior.

Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, Burden was considered arguably the best after-the-catch receiver in the class. Johnson has undoubtedly been thinking of ways to get the receiver open in space. Furthermore, the fact Chicago used their first second-round pick on Burden despite the presence of Moore and Odunze is telling.

Johnson cannot fully envision the impact Burden will make until he is back on the field. Training camp will give the rookie an opportunity to show how strong he can be in the offense.

Johnson changes Chicago Bears passing plans

Before coming to the Bears, Johnson served as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. During the 2024 campaign, Detroit finished second in passing, averaging 263.2 yards per game. In turn, Chicago finished second-to-last, averaging 181.5 YPG.

The Bears changed play callers more than once during Williams’ rookie campaign. Furthermore Matt Eberflus, who became the first Chicago head coach to be fired midseason, was defensive-minded. While Williams’ faults have been clearly documented, the Bears weren’t in a place to succeed in 2024.

But now, their head coach is considered one of the best offensive minds in the NFL. When it comes to passing, both Amon-Ra St. Brown (1,263) and Jameson Williams (1,001) broke 1,000+ yards and scored at least seven touchdowns in his final year with the Lions. And that’s with tight end Sam LaPorta gaining 726 yards and seven touchdowns in his own right.

It’ll take time for Johnson to bring those types of fireworks to Chicago, but it’s clear a plan is in place. If Burden can get healthy and back on the field, the Bears will only be scarier when Williams drops back to pass.