The Chicago Bears welcomed some big new additions to the roster this offseason, including a rookie draft class that includes second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III.
Burden, projected by many to be a first-round pick, fell right into the waiting arms of new Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who has big plans for the rookie in his star-studded offense. And it sounds like NFL analysts are expecting big things from Burden in Year 1.
USA Today’s Tyler Dragon chose one breakout rookie candidate from each NFL team. For the Bears, there are a few options, including first-round tight end Colston Loveland. But Dragon believes Burden has the potential to thrive at an important position in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Chicago had a void at slot receiver after they let Keenan Allen walk in free agency. Burden has a chance to replace Allen in the slot. Some scouts considered him a first-round talent despite him slipping into the second round. Burden’s already motivated to make teams “pay” for passing on him.
There will be no shortage of weapons for second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, who has receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Burden, as well as tight ends Cole Kmet and Loveland. But Johnson has discussed the importance of the slot receiver in his offense, and that’s where Burden projects to play, as he excelled there in college.
While there’s only one ball and plenty of mouths to feed, Burden has the potential to cash in at a key position in this Chicago offense.
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