Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III, who the team drafted with the 39th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of the explosive playmaking ability that made him one of the most dynamic receivers in college football.
Yet through six games, his opportunities in the offense have been limited. Despite this, he’s handled the situation with patience, professionalism, and confidence as the Bears look to find more ways to utilize his talents.
Luther Burden’s Promising Start to His Rookie Season Despite a Lack of Opportunities
Luther Burden’s most recent highlight came on a creative offensive design against the New Orleans Saints that showcased both his football IQ and the Bears’ trust in his versatility.
The play, as detailed by Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, involved Burden motioning from the right side of the formation as the offensive line blocked to the right, while center Drew Dalman peeled back to protect the left edge. The play created just enough time for quarterback Caleb Williams to connect with Burden across the middle.
“It was just a situation where they had been playing a lot of zone,” Burden explained. “We’d been working it all week, a little in-route. I’d come in motion and we knew they would be playing off. We knew I was going to have leverage to break inside and get a good completion.”
That kind of preparation and execution speaks to the potential Burden brings to Chicago’s offense. The second-round pick has caught 12 passes for 172 yards this season, including a 65-yard flea-flicker touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3. His 14.3 yards per catch rank among the best on the team, and his ability to stretch the field adds a dynamic layer to a Bears passing attack still finding its identity.
Still, Burden’s usage has been limited. Against New Orleans, he played just 19 snaps compared to Olamide Zaccheaus, who was on the field for 35 snaps.
“I just do my part, man,” Burden said. “When my number is called, I just try to make a play.”
Growth and Preparation
Inside Halas Hall, the sentiment around Luther Burden’s development is one of optimism.
Passing game coordinator Press Taylor believes the rookie is steadily adjusting to week-to-week grind of NFL preparation.
“He does a better job throughout the week of his preparation process,” Taylor said. “That’s the thing for young guys. Week to week it’s a whole new game plan. We may put in 25 new plays that we could tell you, ‘These are the same as these plays,’ but there are little wrinkles that cause you to change.”
Taylor pointed out that in college, playbooks tend to remain static. But in the NFL, game plans evolve dramatically based on matchups, defensive tendencies, and personnel adjustments. That constant evolution demands attention to detail, which is something Burden has embraced as he settles into his role.
Burden agrees that the NFL’s week-to-week variation takes some adjustment but makes it clear that he’s not struggling with the system or his responsibilities.
“I don’t think I’ve got any challenges,” he said. “I just, shoot, get in when I am called to get in and when my number is called, I just try to make a play.”
As the Bears prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday, the hope is Burden’s role begins to expand and he sees more playing time. If his flashes are any indication, it’s only a matter of time before his patience pays off, and his playmaking abilities become a regular part of Chicago’s offensive identity.
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