Bears Coach Hypes Up 2025 Draft Pick Ahead of 2026 Season

Ben Johnson believes Luther Burden has 'some of the best run-after-the-catch in the game'.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:34pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the Chicago Bears' uniform colors.The Bears' young wide receiver Luther Burden is poised for a breakout season, with his coach touting his dynamic playmaking abilities.Chicago Today

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has high praise for second-year wide receiver Luther Burden, a 2025 second-round draft pick. Johnson said Burden is a 'dynamic playmaker' who the team needs to get the ball to 'as often as we possibly can.' The coach also noted Burden's strong work ethic and love for the game.

Why it matters

Burden's breakout potential is significant for the Bears, especially after the team traded away veteran receiver DJ Moore in the offseason. With Moore gone, Burden is now poised for a larger role in the offense in 2026.

The details

In his rookie season, Burden flashed his talent with a 100-yard receiving game in Week 3. While he was quiet for the first half of the year, he came on strong in the second half. Johnson said the team is excited to see Burden develop a bigger route tree and continue to showcase his skills as a dynamic playmaker with excellent run-after-catch ability.

  • Burden was a 2025 second-round draft pick for the Bears.
  • Johnson's comments came at the NFL Annual League Meeting on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Ben Johnson

The head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Luther Burden

A second-year wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, who was a 2025 second-round draft pick.

DJ Moore

A veteran wide receiver who was traded away by the Bears in the offseason, clearing the way for Burden to have a larger role in the offense.

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What they’re saying

“He's exactly what we thought we were getting out of the draft last year. This guy is a dynamic playmaker. He's got some of the best run-after-the-catch in the game right now. I really believe that. We've got to continue to get the ball in his hands as often as we possibly can.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears

“What I've grown to love about him is this guy loves football. He's been in all offseason. He's been lifting weights with our strength staff. He's really, really excited to get a full offseason going and look to develop a bigger route tree.”

— Ben Johnson, Head Coach, Chicago Bears

What’s next

The Bears will look to continue developing Burden's skills and route tree during the 2026 offseason, with the goal of him becoming a key playmaker in their offense.

The takeaway

The Bears are clearly high on Burden's potential, and his emergence could help offset the loss of veteran receiver DJ Moore. If Burden can build on his strong finish to his rookie season, he could become a breakout star for the Bears in 2026.