There is no longer any doubt about the Chicago Bears’ intentions. This is the Ben Johnson show. He fully intends to build the offense around Caleb Williams. A day after landing explosive tight end Colston Loveland in the 1st round, the team turned around and snagged wide receiver Luther Burden in the 2nd. The kid from Missouri is an absolute playmaker with speed, wiggle, and route-running skills. He is also quite dangerous with the ball in his hands. He embodies everything Johnson looks for in a receiver.
Many had Burden as a 1st round receiver going into the winter. Unfortunately, an underwhelming 2024 season after his stellar 2023 cooled his draft stock. Not all of it was his fault. There were consistency issues at quarterback, and some have criticized Missouri’s offensive system. Yet he kept making plays when they bothered to feature him in games. One NFC Scout summed him up when asked by NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein during the pre-draft process.
“I think he got bored with that offense. His playing style is like Jerry Jeudy but with Amon-Ra St. Brown’s hands and toughness.”
Ben Johnson knows exactly how to deploy Burden.
Just go back and watch Amon-Ra St. Brown in Detroit for an idea. This guy is well-equipped to handle duties in the slot with his quickness, route-running, and strong hands. The fact that he’s also tough to tackle makes it even better. Burden is also plenty motivated. He expected to go in the 1st round. When he didn’t, photos surfaced of him working out past midnight. There is no doubt the young man has a chip on his shoulder. Ben Johnson will know exactly how to fan those flames. If things click as they should, Caleb Williams is about to embark on perhaps the best season a Bears quarterback has ever had. It’s exciting times in Chicago.
