Burden was a receiver many scouts had given a first-round grade to, so when he was still available when the Bears were picking in the second round, Johnson likely wasted no time telling Ryan Poles to make the move.
While wide receiver wasn’t initially a major need for the Bears entering the draft, it’s important to note they had to find a replacement for Keenan Allen’s role in the offense. Rome Odunze is expected to replicate Allen’s production, but there’s still uncertainty around the slot receiver position.
The Bears brought in veteran Olamide Zaccheaus earlier this offseason, but his past numbers don’t guarantee him the slot job. Burden will have to prove he’s ready for it, but it’s a good bet Johnson already believes the rookie is up to the task.
Burden was a receiver many scouts had given a first-round grade to, so when he was still available when the Bears were picking in the second round, Johnson likely wasted no time telling Ryan Poles to make the move.
While wide receiver wasn’t initially a major need for the Bears entering the draft, it’s important to note they had to find a replacement for Keenan Allen’s role in the offense. Rome Odunze is expected to replicate Allen’s production, but there’s still uncertainty around the slot receiver position.
The Bears brought in veteran Olamide Zaccheaus earlier this offseason, but his past numbers don’t guarantee him the slot job. Burden will have to prove he’s ready for it, but it’s a good bet Johnson already believes the rookie is up to the task.
Here’s the part that should worry Lions fans: Johnson isn’t the only one who sees the big-time potential in Burden. While speaking with reporters after the draft, Johnson shared that Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams texted him after the Bears picked Burden.
Ben Johnson mentioned that he received a message from Lions receiver Jameson Williams about Luther Burden III, who, like Williams, hails from East St. Louis, Ill.
Talent respects talent. Williams helped take the Lions’ offense to new heights last season, and if Burden fulfills his potential, he could have a similar impact for the Bears.
What makes Burden even more dangerous is his similarity to DJ Moore’s skill set. Having two receivers who can mix up their routes and create big plays will be a huge problem for defenses
