Chicago Bears rookie projected to channel “snub” into breakout

For the second consecutive spring, the Chicago Bears added a top-flight wide receiver into quarterback Caleb Williams‘ supporting cast.

After selecting Rome Odunze No. 9 overall in the 2024 draft, and tight end Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall this year, the Bears dropped big-play threat Luther Burden into Williams’ arsenal in the second round which just might round out one of the most exciting up and coming collections of pass catchers in the NFL.

Over at USA TODAY, analyst Tyler Dragon put together a list of each team’s breakout rookie to watch this fall, with Burden making the cut for the Bears.

“Chicago had a void at slot receiver after they let Keenan Allen walk in free agency,” Dragon writes for USA TODAY. “Burden has a chance to replace Allen in the slot. Some scouts considered him a first-round talent despite him slipping into the second round. Burden’s already motivated to make teams “pay” for passing on him.”

Burden, 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, caught 61 passes for 676 yards last season at Missouri while pulling down six of his career 21 collegiate touchdown receptions.

A big play threat after the catch and potential top red zone target for Williams, it’s easy to see why the Bears would feel comfortable letting a veteran like Allen walk, with Burden likely to take on a significant role immediately with the opportunity to develop with Williams, Odunze, and D.J. Moore in the years ahead.

Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson impressed by Luther Burden, Rome Odunze

Burden isn’t the only receiver that the Bears are optimistic bout as the 2025 season nears.

With OTAs well underway, Bears head coach Ben Johnson has spoken glowingly about Odunze who could stand to benefit the most from Allen’s departure while entering his second season on the receiving end of passes from Williams.

“I’m extremely impressed,” Johnson told reporters of Odunze. “To be a second year guy, you would expect a little bit more inconsistency. And yet, the way he approaches the meeting rooms, the walkthroughs, the on the field drill work, it’s very much like a seasoned pro. Some of the best that I’ve been around.”

“He’s still learning,” Johnson continued. “There’s a lot of information that is getting thrown his way. But Coach [Antwaan] Randle El and [Robbie] Picazo are doing great jobs with him right now. I think we’re going to see a lot of growth from him. Not just in springtime but once we get to camp.”

As a rookie, Odunze went through some growing pains–as the rest of the offense, and Williams did, but still managed to haul in 54 passes for 734 yards and three touchdowns.

Aiming to put some of the struggles getting timing right with Williams last season behind him, Odunze could benefit significantly from Burden’s arrival and the attention defenses are likely to pay him.

Johnson believes he can mold Burden into a player similar to one of the most dangerous weapons he had at his disposal as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator.

“I mean, you saw the highlights, right? He’s a playmaker waiting to happen,” Johnson said of Burden. “He went to the same high school, I believe, as Jameson Willams. Jame-O texted me right after we took him and he said, ‘You got a dog, just like me.’ Luther has that same confidence, he’s got that same swagger to him. For 6-foot, 200-plus pounds, it’s rare to see somebody with his movement skills. He can stop on a dime and accelerate just like that. Give him a little bit of space, and he can make big things happen.”

Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-bears-news-luther-burden-rome-odunze?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chicago-bears-news-luther-burden-rome-odunze