Every so often, a player on offense or defense finds a way to redefine how the position is played. Don Hudson introduced the importance of route running. “Bullet” Bob Hayes introduced the value of the vertical threat. Wes Welker revolutionized the slot receiver position. Deebo Samuel was the first to introduce the value of a receiver/running back hybrid for the San Francisco 49ers. Nobody had seen a weapon like him before, lined up everywhere and scoring touchdowns from every conceivable angle.
Ever since he broke out onto the scene in 2021, teams have been trying to find the next version of him. None have come close. Nobody has his rare mix of size, strength, hands, vision, and route-running skill. Not until now. Bob McGinn of Go Long TD was evaluating the 2025 wide receiver class and asked about Missouri standout Luther Burden. One scout feels the Chicago Bears may have landed the next Samuel, and a version that threatens to be even more devastating because of his superior speed.
“You wish you had bigger and faster for outside but he’s a good enough player to do it,” one scout said. “He’s probably most effective in the slot. There’s some really strong comparisons to Deebo Samuel. He’s got great hands. Really natural after the catch. Has vision, elusiveness, strength, toughness.”
Burden landed in a similar situation to Deebo Samuel.
What made Samuel so devastating wasn’t just his obvious talent. It was landing under a coaching staff that was willing to use him in different ways. Kyle Shanahan is one of the best offensive minds in football, and immediately saw what Deebo Samuel could be beyond his receiving skills. Burden may have gotten the same good fortune by falling under the guidance of Ben Johnson. He proved in Detroit that he is fearless when it comes to experimenting with how players are used. That is how Jameson Williams gets 11 carries on the ground. Burden is far more gifted in that category. His 4.41 speed also offers a more explosive element than Samuel did in San Francisco.
