From refined route running to explosive offseason gains, Ben Johnson reveals how the second-year receiver is transforming raw speed into a versatile, dominant threat in Chicago's offense.
Whenever Luther Burden III's name is brought up, there is a common theme in what everyone is saying about the Chicago Bears' wide receiver.
People are expecting the No. 39 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to have a big year in 2026.
Bears quarterbacks Tyson Bagent and Case Keenum have talked, so has assistant head coach/wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and now head coach Ben Johnson is leaning into the hype around the Bears' second-year receiver.
"I'm buying Luther Burden stock right now," Johnson said. "Just how he has approached his offseason, it's been electric. That showed up yesterday. He had numerous explosive plays. I loved how in phase two he was finishing every single rep that he took, and that really translated over to yesterday as well, so he's in a really good spot. He's still growing and developing his route tree. Coach [Antwaan Randle] El and Isaiah Ford have done a phenomenal job with him, just working and developing those things. Speed cuts to sharp breaks, releases, things of the nature. He's been extremely coachable, so I'm really happy with him."
Those are glowing remarks from the Bears' coach. When the Bears selected Burden in the second round last year, the team saw an explosive athlete who was dangerous with the ball in his hands.
In his rookie season, Burden finished with 47 catches for 652 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the team with 7.2 yards after catch per reception and 10.9 yards per target.
The coaching staff needed to figure out how to give Burden opportunities throughout games. The easy things to do were to utilize screens and short throws.
"But there is a lot more to his game that we worked to unlock and he's been really receptive to how we can get that done," Johnson said. "He ran a route yesterday that was the first time he had ran that route. He ran it as well as I've been around. So, things like that really get you excited as a coach."
Speaking of route running, Johnson also highlighted the growth he has witnessed from the receiver in that aspect of his game. Going into Year 2 in the offense, Johnson see Burden playing at a different speed.
"You knew he had it in him," he said. "He's a 4.4 guy, and yet those timed speeds don't always translate to real speed, football speed, the game tape. So, I think we are starting to see that now. He's not thinking as much. He knows what we're trying to do. ..."
Johnson has given Bears fans every reason to trust his vision after a successful 2025 season. Now, the coach is buying stock in Burden, a clear indication that the second-year receiver is primed for a big year in 2026.
