The Chicago Bears confused some people when they took Colston Loveland No. 10 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, although there is some reason to believe in the tight end from Michigan.
And besides, they more than made up for it in the second round.
When the Bears took Mizzou WR Luther Burden at No. 39 overall, they impressed ESPN’s Matt Miller, so much so that the draft analyst called it his favorite pick of the entire NFL Draft, all 257 selections.
“Burden was my top wide receiver in the class (I’m counting Travis Hunter as a two-way player), and he landed in a great situation with the Bears and new coach Ben Johnson,” Miller writes. “Burden’s yards-after-catch ability is terrific, and Johnson’s scheme has been elite at creating space for wide receivers. Burden likely starts as a slot receiver with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze flanking him, but he thrived in that alignment at Missouri.”
MORE: Bears’ Colston Loveland makes NFL history before playing a snap
Burden was the top offensive recruit in the country when he went to Missouri.
In his 2022 class, Burden was the No. 1 offensive player in the land. In some rankings, he was No. 1 overall. Certainly, he was the top receiver.
Burden’s best Missouri season was actually his sophomore year. He went for 86 catches, 1,212 yards and seven TDs.
In 2024, he had 61 catches for 676 yards and six scores.
Burden is a great addition to pair with second-year QB Caleb Williams and second-year WR Rome Odunze.
For years to come, they can shine in Ben Johnson’s offense.
Now, Burden will try to live up to the praise of being considered the best selection in his entire draft.
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