Training Camp Quick Hits: Bears’ Luther Burden building confidence

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III had himself a day during Thursday’s training camp practice. He was virtually uncoverable and it was the type of performance that has his arrow pointing way up.

“It definitely builds confidence, not even just me but with the coaches, the play-caller, the quarterback giving me the ball and everybody on the team, seeing me go out there and make plays against guys,” Burden said after practice. “It was great.”

It certainly was. But could it be even better? Luther Burden certainly thinks so.

“I definitely want it more, I want the ball every play,” Burden said. “That’s my goal, to get the ball every play. I’m trying to get the ball and make something happen.”

This was the kind of performance the Bears were expecting from their prized second-round pick. And, yes, Burden is a prized second-round pick.

Remember: he was a top-10 prospect during the first half of the 2024 college football season, but as is always the case with the NFL Draft, scouts and front office executives overthought the process with the former Missouri star.

The Chicago Bears will benefit the most by teams overthinking Luther Burden, especially when Ben Johnson unleashes him as his Swiss Army knife in 2025 and beyond. He’ll join D.J. Moore and 2024 ninth-overall pick Rome Odunze to form a lethal trio of wideouts for QB Caleb Williams to target.

“I feel like I can do everything in his offense,” Burden said. “I’m just really trying to get my feet wet, get situated on the field, and learn by playbook really. I feel like everything else will take care of itself.”