What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

WR Luther Burden III, CHI (2 Viewers)

The "gadget player" stuff is wild to me. Burden might be the best route runner in this class. He just had a horrible offense around him, that allowed constant doubles. Put him on Miami, he has 1500 yards.
 
I keep seeing him fall to the 2nd in mocks.

If he does, I hope he goes to the Pats. If he's paired with a competent QB, look out IMO.
 
I keep hearing the generic "character concerns" but I haven't ever seen what those specific concerns are. Does anyone know what specifically people don't like regarding his character? I saw that some accuse him of quitting on the team during a game. I didn't see that game so if anyone saw it can you let us know your thoughts on what happened? Is that it, though, or is there something else?
 
Next Gen Stats
RD 2 | PK 39 - Bears: Luther Burden III WR, Missouri

A three-year contributor at Missouri, Burden was used primarily out wide as a freshman (on 85% of his snaps) before moving inside as a sophomore (82%) and again as a junior (85%). Across 38 games, he totaled 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns, including a breakout sophomore campaign with 1,212 yards and nine scores.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Burden participated in the 40-yard dash and on-field receiver drills and made the most of his showcase, confirming his vertical speed by posting a 4.41-second time at 6-foot, 206 pounds. He also impressed as a route runner, flashing body control and more of that vertical speed -- according to combine tracking data from Next Gen Stats, Burden hit a top speed of 21.47 on a go route, third-fastest among all wide receivers in Indianapolis.

Ranked as the No. 2 wide receiver prospect by the NGS Draft Model with an overall score of 85 (trailing only Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan), Burden is one of five wideouts to earn NGS scores of 75 or higher in both production and athleticism. While his final college season didn’t match his sophomore output, Burden projects as a dynamic weapon who can thrive in space and elevate an NFL offense.

Burden was @NextGenStats' No. 1 Day 2 sleeper entering this year's draft.
Click to expand...
 
RC94 said:
I keep hearing the generic "character concerns" but I haven't ever seen what those specific concerns are. Does anyone know what specifically people don't like regarding his character? I saw that some accuse him of quitting on the team during a game. I didn't see that game so if anyone saw it can you let us know your thoughts on what happened? Is that it, though, or is there something else?
Click to expand...
Steve Smith did an interview/film study about Burden and talked about some of it. Sounds like choosing not to participate at some of his Pro day rubbed some people the wrong way. Diva type attitude I guess. Doubt that is unique to this player though. The biggest concern I'd have , especially on a loaded Bears team, was they said he becomes unfocused unless he his fed the ball. Lazy routes, inconsistent, didn't step up at times, etc. Outside of that, not sure if there are other character concerns. Here's the interview I saw.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
massraider said:
Faust said:
Dave
Luther Burden was asked why he went straight to Missouri’s facility to work out after falling out of the first round.

He said he just wanted to work while others celebrated and plans to work out again tonight.

Love this mentality.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
That's interesting, because there's definitely talk out there he's not a hard worker.
Click to expand...
That seems to be THE knock on him
 
massraider said:
Faust said:
Dave
Luther Burden was asked why he went straight to Missouri’s facility to work out after falling out of the first round.

He said he just wanted to work while others celebrated and plans to work out again tonight.

Love this mentality.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
That's interesting, because there's definitely talk out there he's not a hard worker.
Click to expand...
I heard the same thing about Moore, who takes plays off.
 
There was an argument that Moore was being misused last year and that Burden will fit that role much better. There was also talk that Moore and Kmet have both been whiny at times and Ben Johnson mmmmaybe just mmmaybe doesn't like that. There is a world here where Burden becomes his new Amon-Ra with Moore doing what Keenan Allen was doing and Rome continuing to be Rome on the outside. I still say that is all way too many mouths to feed and Caleb and Swift are the only Bears to own right now in 2025.

Burden might be the steal of 2nd round rookie drafts though.
 
Jacob Infante
Ironically, my comparison for Luther Burden pre-draft was DJ Moore.

He’s got the speed and ball skills, but it’s the YAC ability that really separates him. Elite contact balance at WR and impressive agility in space. #Bears
Click to expand...

@PrincePoles
I've heard some people say he's not that good of a route runner
Click to expand...

Jacob Infante
Wouldn’t say Luther’s a bad route runner by any means. He’s improved his spatial awareness against zone over his time at Mizzou

Just wanna see him diversify his releases and run a deeper route tree in the pros
Click to expand...
 
Josh Norris
This is why the Bears drafted Luther Burden III

A personal favorite. He has that sixth sense after the catch. Incredible YAC. Powerful. Outstanding hands.

Ben Johnson will know exactly how to use and develop him

youtu.be/Fv5enfUCByQ
Click to expand...

could easily see Burden receive the Jameson Williams treatment from Ben Johnson

drags and crossing routes. Huge YAC opportunities. And vertical routes off play action
Click to expand...
 
I think next year Moore will be gone via trade and Loveland will overtake Kmet. My guess is the pecking order will be Odunze/Burden as 1A/1B, then Loveland as C
 
Kid's a stud and if Calib can play the part I think Burden will pay really good dividends. Worst case scenario in my mind is he's in an Egbuka situation waiting 2 years for Evans and Godwin to jetison
 
Penguin said:
Kid's a stud and if Calib can play the part I think Burden will pay really good dividends. Worst case scenario in my mind is he's in an Egbuka situation waiting 2 years for Evans and Godwin to jetison
Click to expand...
I feel the same way with Egbuka, I think it may take a year or two but both these WR's will be studs in the longterm
 
Penguin said:
I think next year Moore will be gone via trade and Loveland will overtake Kmet. My guess is the pecking order will be Odunze/Burden as 1A/1B, then Loveland as C
Click to expand...
I would bet VERY heavily on Loveland overtaking Kmet before week 1. I think Kmet will be 6th on the team in targets this year.

I will say, I think there is a very real chance that Odunze actually ends up being the #3 guy long-term behind Burden and Loveland.

I'm not as confident Moore gets traded so soon, I think they could/would be wise to be "overstocked" on weapons while Caleb is on his rookie deal.
 
(HULK) said:
King of the Jungle said:
I think people will look back and wonder why this guy was going in the second round of most rookie drafts.
Click to expand...
I think this can be true in two equally possible ways.
Click to expand...
I think he had the most upside in this class. He is going to be tied to a young talented thrower and a good offensive mind. The “crowded room” is pushing him down, but I think in a few years he will be looked back as a great value where he is currently going.
 
Only 1 share in a league where I have Odunze. Kind of interested how the DJ Moore situation shakes out long term. I feel like he's a goner at some point soon.
 
Penguin said:
I think next year Moore will be gone via trade and Loveland will overtake Kmet. My guess is the pecking order will be Odunze/Burden as 1A/1B, then Loveland as C
Click to expand...
My understanding of NFL trade rules is that when a player is traded, their dead cap is still the responsibility of the original team.

Moore's dead cap figure for 2026 is $35,485,000, and his salary is $28,500,000.

Barring something dramatic, Moore will be on the Bears in '26. The team can save $20.5 million in cap space if they cut or trade him after '26.


With that said, Ryan Poles has been pretty careful with all the Bears' long-term contracts...everything is lining up to expire at the time of a Caleb Williams extension after '27 (though he has a 5th-year option through '28), so it is possible the Bears can retain Moore's hefty salary in the '27 season.
 
JohnnyU said:
Only 1 share in a league where I have Odunze. Kind of interested how the DJ Moore situation shakes out long term. I feel like he's a goner at some point soon.
Click to expand...
Did you do that on purpose? Asking because I wound up doing the same in the league where I have Odunze. I had a few other solid options to choose from with the pick (17th overall), but not only was Burden my highest ranked player available; it felt like a solid arbitrage bet as well seeing as I think both are great talents, but only one might work out in that Bears system in the near future.
 
pinkstapler said:
JohnnyU said:
Only 1 share in a league where I have Odunze. Kind of interested how the DJ Moore situation shakes out long term. I feel like he's a goner at some point soon.
Click to expand...
Did you do that on purpose? Asking because I wound up doing the same in the league where I have Odunze. I had a few other solid options to choose from with the pick (17th overall), but not only was Burden my highest ranked player available; it felt like a solid arbitrage bet as well seeing as I think both are great talents, but only one might work out in that Bears system in the near future.
Click to expand...
Yes, I did that on purpose. My logic is that one of them will benefit from an ascending Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson.
 
rschroeder1 said:
Penguin said:
I think next year Moore will be gone via trade and Loveland will overtake Kmet. My guess is the pecking order will be Odunze/Burden as 1A/1B, then Loveland as C
Click to expand...
My understanding of NFL trade rules is that when a player is traded, their dead cap is still the responsibility of the original team.

Moore's dead cap figure for 2026 is $35,485,000, and his salary is $28,500,000.

Barring something dramatic, Moore will be on the Bears in '26. The team can save $20.5 million in cap space if they cut or trade him after '26.


With that said, Ryan Poles has been pretty careful with all the Bears' long-term contracts...everything is lining up to expire at the time of a Caleb Williams extension after '27 (though he has a 5th-year option through '28), so it is possible the Bears can retain Moore's hefty salary in the '27 season.
Click to expand...
If he's traded between June 1 2025 and June 1 2026 the only cap charge left for the Bears is acceleration of his $12M bonus.

Trading him this year or next would have minimal dead money but a massive cap savings since they'd get out from the $43M owed to him in 25 and 26.

Short story is they'd save a ton of cap space with minimal dead hits.

It's an extremely easy contract to trade.

Saying that I think they'd prefer he bought in and things worked out this year and then reassess next season.
 
JohnnyU said:
pinkstapler said:
JohnnyU said:
Only 1 share in a league where I have Odunze. Kind of interested how the DJ Moore situation shakes out long term. I feel like he's a goner at some point soon.
Click to expand...
Did you do that on purpose? Asking because I wound up doing the same in the league where I have Odunze. I had a few other solid options to choose from with the pick (17th overall), but not only was Burden my highest ranked player available; it felt like a solid arbitrage bet as well seeing as I think both are great talents, but only one might work out in that Bears system in the near future.
Click to expand...
Yes, I did that on purpose. My logic is that one of them will benefit from an ascending Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson.
Click to expand...
Prayers up they both do, but if DJ Moore sticks around it does feel like bad odds of both of them hitting. At least of hitting their ceilings.

I like the play in dynasty, but starting to wonder how to handle this offense in redraft leagues. It's easy to say to avoid it, but hard in practice to outright avoid an ascending offense that will almost definitely be putting at least one of these guys in the top 12 by seasons end.
 
pinkstapler said:
JohnnyU said:
pinkstapler said:
JohnnyU said:
Only 1 share in a league where I have Odunze. Kind of interested how the DJ Moore situation shakes out long term. I feel like he's a goner at some point soon.
Click to expand...
Did you do that on purpose? Asking because I wound up doing the same in the league where I have Odunze. I had a few other solid options to choose from with the pick (17th overall), but not only was Burden my highest ranked player available; it felt like a solid arbitrage bet as well seeing as I think both are great talents, but only one might work out in that Bears system in the near future.
Click to expand...
Yes, I did that on purpose. My logic is that one of them will benefit from an ascending Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson.
Click to expand...
Prayers up they both do, but if DJ Moore sticks around it does feel like bad odds of both of them hitting. At least of hitting their ceilings.

I like the play in dynasty, but starting to wonder how to handle this offense in redraft leagues. It's easy to say to avoid it, but hard in practice to outright avoid an ascending offense that will almost definitely be putting at least one of these guys in the top 12 by seasons end.
Click to expand...
Like I said, I think DJ Moore is not for long with the Bears.
 
@32BeatWriters
"Second-round wide receiver Luther Burden III had the highlight of Saturday’s practice when he hauled in a deep ball, but he came down hard on the ball and was slow to get up. He returned Sunday and participated in the final practice of rookie minicamp."

“He’s an explosive athlete,” [Ben Johnson] said. “He’s really exciting. His tape was really impressive in college. He’s a playmaker and when the ball’s in his hands, he was one of the best guys that we evaluated in this process.”
Click to expand...
 
I have him in 2/3 leagues. Had a lot of needs in terms of impact WR and late first picks.. Feels like a home run swing. Could easily come up empty but you have a swing for the fences sometimes.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

ZWK
ZWK's 2025 Prospect Analysis
Replies
17
Views
2K
ZWK
ZWK
T
Travdogg's final 2025 mock draft (3 rounds) (post draft grades on page 2)
2
Replies
68
Views
2K
BassNBrew
BassNBrew
Biabreakable
WR DeVonta Smith, PHI
12 13 14
Replies
688
Views
33K
travdogg
T

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)
Back
Top