Luther Burden III is finally back on the field, and the Bears are hoping his electric skillset can take their offense to another level. If the rookie hits his stride, Chicago may have found its next star wideout.
As the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III has high expectations entering the league as a rookie. Despite being banged up to start training camp, Burden returned to the field on Monday.
Back on May 20, on the first day of OTAs, Burden went down with a hamstring injury that he’s been battling back from ever since.
Now finally back on the field, the rookie’s first day of training camp saw him participating in some individual drills, but no team drills yet. In his limited work, Burden showed flashes of his quick-twitch athleticism, proving his rehabilitation has been going according to plan.
Luther Burden was back today and did some individual drills but did not do team drills. #Bearspic.twitter.com/eYHNa5YG5o
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) July 28, 2025
Burden made his mark during his sophomore season of college with the Missouri Tigers in 2023, finishing ninth in the country with 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Even with a down year in 2024, the Bears liked what they saw and drafted the electric young wideout.
General manager Ryan Poles most likely could see Burden’s raw athleticism and speed, knowing that if he can reach his full potential, the sky is the limit for how dominant the rookie can be.
Ever since coming out of high school as a top 14 player in the nation, Burden has had the spotlight on him. The 21-year-old projects to be a seamless fit into a talented wide receiver room with the Bears that lacks proven depth.
Using his 4.41 speed, Burden is a big-play threat with the ball in his hands, sharing a lot of similarities to the skillset of teammate DJ Moore.
With the pair being supplemented by Rome Odunze heading into his second season, as well as a dynamic tight end duo, Caleb Williams will have all kinds of weapons to get the ball to.
Burden’s return to the field is great news to everyone in the Bears organization. With him healthy, Chicago will unlock a whole new aspect of its offense, hoping to bounce back after a five-win season in 2024.
Category: Football
