The Chicago Bears had a plan going into the 2nd round of the 2025 draft. After securing playmaking tight end Colston Loveland with the 10th overall pick, they hoped to get head coach Ben Johnson some help at running back. Their hearts were set on Ohio State dynamo TreVeyon Henderson. His mix of speed and quickness was what Johnson loved in his backs. Sadly, the New England Patriots got there first, taking Henderson 38th overall, one spot ahead of the Bears. That left GM Ryan Poles with a tough decision. Do they still go for a running back or pivot to somebody high on their board at a different position? With urging from Johnson, he chose the latter, selecting Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden.
It was a divisive decision. Many experts agreed that Burden was one of the most talented receivers in the draft. He was unstoppable in 2023. However, he also came with questions about his maturity and overall dedication to the game. Most saw him as too risky. Johnson wasn’t one of them. One can simply base that off his reaction when it became clear the Bears would land him. It started with a clip of the head coach laughing to himself right before the pick, as if he couldn’t believe Burden was there.
Then, after the selection went through, Johnson stood up and immediately rubbed Poles’ shoulders.
Luther Burden is a perfect fit for Johnson.
He showed in Detroit that he loves wide receivers who can make the most out of every catch they make. Yards after contact are a big deal for him. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams were both good in that category. So is Luther Burden. Williams knows this as well as anybody. The two receivers were teammates in high school. Johnson almost certainly understands what he’s getting into. He is no stranger to working with players who have personality quirks. Jarvis Landry was a constant presence during his time as an assistant in Miami. He also got a taste of Kenny Golladay in Detroit. Williams also has a reputation for being somewhat aloof. Johnson is confident enough in his approach that he can coach anybody. We’re about to find out with Luther Burden.
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Nnbd, cmon, easy on the real men. I know last year was last year. In fact every year has been last year since 1987 for this Bears fan. But for me, last year came with the excitement of football Christmas. I never saw Washington nor the 9 subsequent games coming. Not sure I can get over that, even though that was largely Eberflus. And I hate to say this, but I’m not sold on Williams by any means. Say what you want about last years line, Williams left allot on the table… and I’m no where near a fan. But… Read more »
I will consider such only if you address me correctly and end your sentences with periods.
IDK if Burden will work out but he’s got a chip on his shoulder and if the HC can develop him, it will definitely open up some options for Poles down the road with the salary cap.
Nurse silly just take your pussy ass man crush on HC Johnson to an LGBTQ site and let the real men here actually discuss football and the Bears
I’m not effeminate. I’m a whole person. Now let me go Veece the Fleece, I’m watching cute and sexy Jeff Fahey in the Serpent’s Lair and listening to Prince in the background.
Sing along: Y M C A. with Elton John and Freddie Mercury. Miss you David Bowie!