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WR Luther Burden III, CHI (1 Viewer)

DaddyFatSacks said:
Burden pulled out of team drills by Ben Johnson after trouble lining up in right spot.

https://x.com/ChiBearsMuse/status/1950250896509849955

Makes sense he would have trouble lining up given the time missed. Also, not surprised he was pulled out...Ben should be holding these guys accountable to set the right tone and expectations. Hopefully, Burden reacts positively to a little tough love.
Click to expand...
Make him great Ben, he either takes to hard coaching and improves or sulks and rides the line this year. Love it, on you now Burden.
 
King of the Jungle said:
DaddyFatSacks said:
Burden pulled out of team drills by Ben Johnson after trouble lining up in right spot.

https://x.com/ChiBearsMuse/status/1950250896509849955

Makes sense he would have trouble lining up given the time missed. Also, not surprised he was pulled out...Ben should be holding these guys accountable to set the right tone and expectations. Hopefully, Burden reacts positively to a little tough love.
Click to expand...
Make him great Ben, he either takes to hard coaching and improves or sulks and rides the line this year. Love it, on you now Burden.
Click to expand...
Nice route and catch against Kyler Gordon today

https://x.com/dave_bfr/status/1950562763526566317

Also this....
Luther Burden with the play of the day! Outstanding catch at the back of the end zone. Reached up and snatched it. But I'd say he didnt get his feet in bounds. But it was close. Still, the talent on full display there. https://x.com/GBraggsJr23/status/1950570347968811009
Click to expand...
 
It is super exciting from an offensive execution point to see a guy like Burden in the slot. He's fast, which is a welcome addition to that position from last season. As much as I love Keenan Allen, it often looked like he was running in mud most of the time. One of the things that JD from the QB School harped on was how Allen's lack of speed/quickness into his routes threw off the timing of plays. Specifically things like crossing and rub routes. At times it seemed like the other player involved had to wait for Allen to get to where he needed to be. I honestly think this will benefit Caleb and the rest of the offense a ton.
 
InDitkaWeTrust said:
It is super exciting from an offensive execution point to see a guy like Burden in the slot. He's fast, which is a welcome addition to that position from last season. As much as I love Keenan Allen, it often looked like he was running in mud most of the time. One of the things that JD from the QB School harped on was how Allen's lack of speed/quickness into his routes threw off the timing of plays. Specifically things like crossing and rub routes. At times it seemed like the other player involved had to wait for Allen to get to where he needed to be. I honestly think this will benefit Caleb and the rest of the offense a ton.
Click to expand...
I think Burden may have a meaningful impact this year, but on limited volume (quality over quantity). As mentioned above, in 2 WR sets/12 personnel, he may not be seeing the field a ton. IMO next year could be the year for Burden if the Bears move on from Moore and/or Kmet and the passing game becomes the Rome/Burden/Loveland show.
 
zamboni said:
InDitkaWeTrust said:
It is super exciting from an offensive execution point to see a guy like Burden in the slot. He's fast, which is a welcome addition to that position from last season. As much as I love Keenan Allen, it often looked like he was running in mud most of the time. One of the things that JD from the QB School harped on was how Allen's lack of speed/quickness into his routes threw off the timing of plays. Specifically things like crossing and rub routes. At times it seemed like the other player involved had to wait for Allen to get to where he needed to be. I honestly think this will benefit Caleb and the rest of the offense a ton.
Click to expand...
I think Burden may have a meaningful impact this year, but on limited volume (quality over quantity). As mentioned above, in 2 WR sets/12 personnel, he may not be seeing the field a ton. IMO next year could be the year for Burden if the Bears move on from Moore and/or Kmet and the passing game becomes the Rome/Burden/Loveland show.
Click to expand...
I don't disagree on usage, but in 3 WR packages the overall speed of plays will increase and I think that will be a large benefit to Caleb.
 
Josh Norris
Luther Burden gains 16 on 3rd and 15

as @acosta32_jp said, Burden attacks the DBs blind spots and twists him. Final move is falling directly upfield to cross the line to gain and secure a 1st down.
Click to expand...

Jacob Infante
Luther Burden just looks like a star in a #Bears uniform.

No meaningful analysis needed. He's a good football player. He just passes the aura test and I love it.
Click to expand...
 
Jordan Schultz
#Bears rookie WR Luther Burden III has earned strong praise over the last week for the work he’s put in to grasp Ben Johnson’s offense, along with his attention to detail.

Several Chicago coaches tell me there’s no hiding Burden’s immense talent … it’s far better than where he was taken in Round 2 … and if he masters the details, his “upside is huge.”
Click to expand...
 
warpig33 said:
Only thing holding him back will be Caleb's progression...or lack thereof.
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I think they will try to make it easy on Caleb, I thus putting DJ in the backfield at times. Shorter passes, get the ball out quickly and let the playmakers do the work. This bodes well for slot play, I would be skeptical of Odunze making a big leap if he is stuck at the X position. Burden should see a good amount of targets if he wins the slot outright.
 
At this stage, I'm preparing myself (as a LB3 shareholder) for a bit of a rough year. I think the whole offense is:
Crowded
Has a lot of "struggle" potential
I'm hopeful for the offense as a whole late year and into 26 but for this year, I'm not comfortable investing.

I'm avoiding the whole team this year TBH. Maybe a chicken shoot move but feels like you're running low odds of hitting. The whole lot of them might be really inconsistent this year. I'm interested in getting LB3 shares late because- what other than upside are we drafting for at that stage of the draft?
 
Last edited:
greenmountaingoat said:
At this stage, I'm preparing myself (as a LB3 shareholder) for a bit of a rough year. I think the whole offense is:
Crowded
Has a lot of "struggle" potential
I'm hopeful for the offense as a whole late year and into 27 but for this year, I'm not comfortable investing.

I'm avoiding the whole team this year TBH. Maybe a chicken shoot move but feels like you're running low odds of hitting. The whole lot of them might be really inconsistent this year. I'm interested in getting LB3 shares late because- what other than upside are we drafting for at that stage of the draft?
Click to expand...
I'm on the other end of the spectrum. In one league I have DJM, Rome, and LB3 with LB3 on my taxi squad. Thought process is that DJM will likely be out of Chicago in the 26 season and likely produce as a high/mid WR2 in 25. I expect Rome to make a jump this season into that similar mid tier WR2 production spot, probably more boom/bust than DJM. LB3 is the wildcard, but I'm not counting on his production this season. If it happens, awesome, I'll move him off of taxi and into the roster.

Someone has to catch the ball in this offense and I just can't see more than 125 total targets going to TEs. That leaves close to 400 targets left to spread around. I see DJM loosing a few targets, Rome gaining some (probably 125ish each) and LB3 getting another 100 with 50 leftover for the RBs/WR4/WR5 and whatnot.
 
Faust said:
Sam Monson
For a guy whose commitment/desire was questioned at draft time, Luther Burden did the dirty work on this TD.

His block BURIED the safety and caved in the whole right side of the line.
Click to expand...

Sam Monson
Another TD, another Luther Burden III block at the point of attack
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
This seems a must in the Johnson system, point of emphasis in Detroit
 
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
Click to expand...

Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
 
Max Power said:
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
Click to expand...

Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
Click to expand...
Not sure now is the time to buy low. Are you saying to wait or do you think now is the time to buy?
 
smbkrypt24 said:
Max Power said:
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
Click to expand...

Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
Click to expand...
Not sure now is the time to buy low. Are you saying to wait or do you think now is the time to buy?
Click to expand...
Not sure he can get much cheaper. He's practically undrafted in redraft leagues with an ADP ~14/15th round and going around WR60. Even if he barely sees the field this year, I don't think he drops much. Honestly the only way I see him losing much value is if he DID get a lot of play and looked like absolutely dog sh, dropping balls, running bad routes, bad attitude/lack of effort, etc.

Even in a dynasty format, I don't think any owner is selling him for less than they paid until end of 2026 if he's failed to get involved in the offense after his second year (again, or if he stinks). He was one of the first picks in the 2nd round. Least here his value is a bit more insulated at WR35ish, about 7th round as a startup pick. I imagine it's primarily being in such a crowded offense and maybe some lack of faith in Caleb/Ben Johnson. So could you "buy low" at the end of 2026 compared to his price now in dynasty, probably. But those prices will be more justified by two "failed" seasons; and most buyers will probably want to buy even LOWER at that point than they do now haha.

All that to say, I agree with Max. If you are interested in buying LB, I think now is the time. I think limited routes for his value to decrease, most likely that it will stay the same or increase after a couple good games. I do think his good games might not come till deeper into this first season though.
 
smbkrypt24 said:
Max Power said:
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
Click to expand...

Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
Click to expand...
Not sure now is the time to buy low. Are you saying to wait or do you think now is the time to buy?
Click to expand...
I'm trying to buy now in Dynasty. IMO PFF did him a bit dirty with that last "Stat" almost to imply he is under performing by lumping him in with several players that didn't pan out.

Sure he is 4th on the WR depth chart. He might even be 7th if you factor in Kmet, Loveland and Swift for targets. I don't know if Burden has #1 alpha dog upside, but I'm pretty confident he's a future WR 2 on a Ben Johnson team with at former #1 pick at QB.

He's going in Rd2 of some rookie drafts. I'd trade a late 26 first for him in the right scenario.
 
pinkstapler said:
smbkrypt24 said:
Max Power said:
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
Click to expand...

Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
Click to expand...
Not sure now is the time to buy low. Are you saying to wait or do you think now is the time to buy?
Click to expand...
Not sure he can get much cheaper. He's practically undrafted in redraft leagues with an ADP ~14/15th round and going around WR60. Even if he barely sees the field this year, I don't think he drops much. Honestly the only way I see him losing much value is if he DID get a lot of play and looked like absolutely dog sh, dropping balls, running bad routes, bad attitude/lack of effort, etc.

Even in a dynasty format, I don't think any owner is selling him for less than they paid until end of 2026 if he's failed to get involved in the offense after his second year (again, or if he stinks). He was one of the first picks in the 2nd round. Least here his value is a bit more insulated at WR35ish, about 7th round as a startup pick. I imagine it's primarily being in such a crowded offense and maybe some lack of faith in Caleb/Ben Johnson. So could you "buy low" at the end of 2026 compared to his price now in dynasty, probably. But those prices will be more justified by two "failed" seasons; and most buyers will probably want to buy even LOWER at that point than they do now haha.

All that to say, I agree with Max. If you are interested in buying LB, I think now is the time. I think limited routes for his value to decrease, most likely that it will stay the same or increase after a couple good games. I do think his good games might not come till deeper into this first season though.
Click to expand...
Yeah, my mind went to dynasty where I am not sure there is a discount yet. If he is 4th on depth chart I think you would need to wait a couple games where he isn't getting much game action.
 
smbkrypt24 said:
pinkstapler said:
smbkrypt24 said:
Max Power said:
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
Click to expand...

Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
Click to expand...
Not sure now is the time to buy low. Are you saying to wait or do you think now is the time to buy?
Click to expand...
Not sure he can get much cheaper. He's practically undrafted in redraft leagues with an ADP ~14/15th round and going around WR60. Even if he barely sees the field this year, I don't think he drops much. Honestly the only way I see him losing much value is if he DID get a lot of play and looked like absolutely dog sh, dropping balls, running bad routes, bad attitude/lack of effort, etc.

Even in a dynasty format, I don't think any owner is selling him for less than they paid until end of 2026 if he's failed to get involved in the offense after his second year (again, or if he stinks). He was one of the first picks in the 2nd round. Least here his value is a bit more insulated at WR35ish, about 7th round as a startup pick. I imagine it's primarily being in such a crowded offense and maybe some lack of faith in Caleb/Ben Johnson. So could you "buy low" at the end of 2026 compared to his price now in dynasty, probably. But those prices will be more justified by two "failed" seasons; and most buyers will probably want to buy even LOWER at that point than they do now haha.

All that to say, I agree with Max. If you are interested in buying LB, I think now is the time. I think limited routes for his value to decrease, most likely that it will stay the same or increase after a couple good games. I do think his good games might not come till deeper into this first season though.
Click to expand...
Yeah, my mind went to dynasty where I am not sure there is a discount yet. If he is 4th on depth chart I think you would need to wait a couple games where he isn't getting much game action.
Click to expand...
Truth. Dynasty discounts are tough in my experience. I'm open to the fact every league is different and some people may; it's just rarely even been the case for me that any owner is ever selling a rookie they drafted after the first year for much less, if at all less, than they originally paid. Maybe they should sometimes haha, but feels like the ownership bias comes in strong and there is always an excuse for a lack of year one production. Injury, depth chart, bad QB, bad coach, etc etc. I feel like the most common price drops hit after year two or longer, and it can still be like pulling teeth. I'm often still overpaying based on market value to pry away a guy from his OG drafter, but consider it a win if I can get them even a little less than the original draft cost. Or if it's just one of "my guys" I'll pay based more on my expectations then the players performance to date.

Circling back to Burden; I would also pay a late 2026 1st for him right now. But that's also because I'm one of those people already low on the 2026 class, which I could be wrong about hah. If it was 2027 picks I think I'd only offer a 2nd round rookie pick and maybe a later pick as a sweetener.
 
pinkstapler said:
smbkrypt24 said:
pinkstapler said:
smbkrypt24 said:
Max Power said:
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
Click to expand...

Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
Click to expand...
Not sure now is the time to buy low. Are you saying to wait or do you think now is the time to buy?
Click to expand...
Not sure he can get much cheaper. He's practically undrafted in redraft leagues with an ADP ~14/15th round and going around WR60. Even if he barely sees the field this year, I don't think he drops much. Honestly the only way I see him losing much value is if he DID get a lot of play and looked like absolutely dog sh, dropping balls, running bad routes, bad attitude/lack of effort, etc.

Even in a dynasty format, I don't think any owner is selling him for less than they paid until end of 2026 if he's failed to get involved in the offense after his second year (again, or if he stinks). He was one of the first picks in the 2nd round. Least here his value is a bit more insulated at WR35ish, about 7th round as a startup pick. I imagine it's primarily being in such a crowded offense and maybe some lack of faith in Caleb/Ben Johnson. So could you "buy low" at the end of 2026 compared to his price now in dynasty, probably. But those prices will be more justified by two "failed" seasons; and most buyers will probably want to buy even LOWER at that point than they do now haha.

All that to say, I agree with Max. If you are interested in buying LB, I think now is the time. I think limited routes for his value to decrease, most likely that it will stay the same or increase after a couple good games. I do think his good games might not come till deeper into this first season though.
Click to expand...
Yeah, my mind went to dynasty where I am not sure there is a discount yet. If he is 4th on depth chart I think you would need to wait a couple games where he isn't getting much game action.
Click to expand...
Truth. Dynasty discounts are tough in my experience. I'm open to the fact every league is different and some people may; it's just rarely even been the case for me that any owner is ever selling a rookie they drafted after the first year for much less, if at all less, than they originally paid. Maybe they should sometimes haha, but feels like the ownership bias comes in strong and there is always an excuse for a lack of year one production. Injury, depth chart, bad QB, bad coach, etc etc. I feel like the most common price drops hit after year two or longer, and it can still be like pulling teeth. I'm often still overpaying based on market value to pry away a guy from his OG drafter, but consider it a win if I can get them even a little less than the original draft cost. Or if it's just one of "my guys" I'll pay based more on my expectations then the players performance to date.

Circling back to Burden; I would also pay a late 2026 1st for him right now. But that's also because I'm one of those people already low on the 2026 class, which I could be wrong about hah. If it was 2027 picks I think I'd only offer a 2nd round rookie pick and maybe a later pick as a sweetener.
Click to expand...
Im super low on the 26 class right now as well.
 
Max Power said:
pinkstapler said:
smbkrypt24 said:
pinkstapler said:
smbkrypt24 said:
Max Power said:
www.pff.com

Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL preseason Week 3

The NFL preseason is a wrap. Here is what we learned for fantasy football from the final slate of action before the 2025 regular season arrives.
www.pff.com www.pff.com

Luther Burden III​

Burden remains a clear fourth option on the Bears‘ depth chart.

The rookie was projected to be one of Chicago’s top three receivers, but summer injuries delayed his training camp progress. That opened the door for free agent Olamide Zaccheaus, who has taken over as the third wideout in 11 personnel. In the first half, D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze played every snap and Zaccheaus joined them in three-receiver sets. Zaccheaus aligned in the slot on half of those plays, with Moore and Odunze rotating into the slot on the rest. Moore also lined up in the slot on five plays from 12 personnel.

Burden played just one first-half snap, replacing Moore late in the second quarter. He’s rotated between the slot and out wide throughout the preseason, but with the Bears’ wideouts frequently shifting formations, Burden would need to leapfrog a teammate on the depth chart — something that doesn’t appear imminent.

Burden saw extended action in the third quarter, which is telling. Since the NFL moved to a three-game preseason, only four rookie wide receivers drafted in the first three rounds have logged 15 or more second-half snaps in a preseason game: Tutu Atwell, Danny Gray, Amari Rodgers and Jermaine Burton. They combined for just nine receptions as rookies. While Burden projects for a more productive season, he’s not someone fantasy managers should rely on early in the year.
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Buy low. I'm willing to bet he gets rotated in a decent amount this year and a fresh LBIII vs a tired defense is going to be something to see.
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Not sure now is the time to buy low. Are you saying to wait or do you think now is the time to buy?
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Not sure he can get much cheaper. He's practically undrafted in redraft leagues with an ADP ~14/15th round and going around WR60. Even if he barely sees the field this year, I don't think he drops much. Honestly the only way I see him losing much value is if he DID get a lot of play and looked like absolutely dog sh, dropping balls, running bad routes, bad attitude/lack of effort, etc.

Even in a dynasty format, I don't think any owner is selling him for less than they paid until end of 2026 if he's failed to get involved in the offense after his second year (again, or if he stinks). He was one of the first picks in the 2nd round. Least here his value is a bit more insulated at WR35ish, about 7th round as a startup pick. I imagine it's primarily being in such a crowded offense and maybe some lack of faith in Caleb/Ben Johnson. So could you "buy low" at the end of 2026 compared to his price now in dynasty, probably. But those prices will be more justified by two "failed" seasons; and most buyers will probably want to buy even LOWER at that point than they do now haha.

All that to say, I agree with Max. If you are interested in buying LB, I think now is the time. I think limited routes for his value to decrease, most likely that it will stay the same or increase after a couple good games. I do think his good games might not come till deeper into this first season though.
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Yeah, my mind went to dynasty where I am not sure there is a discount yet. If he is 4th on depth chart I think you would need to wait a couple games where he isn't getting much game action.
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Truth. Dynasty discounts are tough in my experience. I'm open to the fact every league is different and some people may; it's just rarely even been the case for me that any owner is ever selling a rookie they drafted after the first year for much less, if at all less, than they originally paid. Maybe they should sometimes haha, but feels like the ownership bias comes in strong and there is always an excuse for a lack of year one production. Injury, depth chart, bad QB, bad coach, etc etc. I feel like the most common price drops hit after year two or longer, and it can still be like pulling teeth. I'm often still overpaying based on market value to pry away a guy from his OG drafter, but consider it a win if I can get them even a little less than the original draft cost. Or if it's just one of "my guys" I'll pay based more on my expectations then the players performance to date.

Circling back to Burden; I would also pay a late 2026 1st for him right now. But that's also because I'm one of those people already low on the 2026 class, which I could be wrong about hah. If it was 2027 picks I think I'd only offer a 2nd round rookie pick and maybe a later pick as a sweetener.
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Im super low on the 26 class right now as well.
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I want to like this post, but I haven't sold enough of my 2026 picks yet :wink:
 
As someone who drafted burden in dynasty, I'm not trading him cheap. I literally just drafted a guy who I know has three minimum players ahead of him on the depth chart, why would I suddenly be scared off by that? Oh no, a rookie is having an issue in camp involving injuries? Some career backup is going to start the season ahead of him because of it? Oh no!

I genuinely have no idea what would have changed my pre-draft opinion with what's happening this summer. Anyone who drafted him expecting week one production is an idiot.
 
Picked him over Golden in rookie draft - def looks like an immediate mistake - but i gotta think the coach is going to find ways to get him the ball. I didnt expect big numbers this year - long game with him.
 
Faust said:
Sleeper NFL
The Chicago Bears want to get Luther Burden III involved in more packages, per HC Ben Johnson.
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Ol Ben caught on quick to the coachspeak didn't he? Burden went from 27% snap rate to 18% this week, in a game where they got their doors blown off from the first whistle.

Not panicking yet, I spent a 1.12 on him knowing it was a move for 2026 or beyond. But I freaking hate when coaches say this stuff and then make no attempt at all to do what they say.

Edit: He must've meant letting him return kicks more?
 
I'm not a Bears fan, but I didn't like the Burden and Loveland picks, especially Loveland over Warren. I'm really curious what the dynamic is between Poles and Johnson as far as personnel. Anyone have insight into Johnson's contract as it relates to the draft and personnel decisions? How much say does Johnson have in the draft, especially skill players?

Poles doesn't have a stellar reputation if you believe even half the stuff in the Caleb expose by Tyler Dunne.
 
Football Jones said:
Anyone have insight into Johnson's contract as it relates to the draft and personnel decisions?
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Pretty sure these things are not wrote in NFL head coach contracts. These things are often discussed in the interviews but it's not wrote into contracts. That's technically the GM's job and how much they work in concert together, with owner involvement, differs across the league. Almost none of these teams will come out and outright tell you the power structure, they almost all with cite it as a collaborative process, with Jerry maybe the lone exception. We are left to guess who is really pulling the strings.

But with respect to this question....

Football Jones said:
How much say does Johnson have in the draft, especially skill players?
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I would guess Johnson is driving the bus. I really don't even have an iota of doubt he wanted Loveland over Warren and Burden. None.
 
wlwiles said:
menobrown said:
wlwiles said:
But I freaking hate when coaches say this stuff and then make no attempt at all to do what they say.
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They've not played a game since he said this.
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DOH, I didn't look closely enough at the timestamp on Faust's post. My bad...

Still though, I hate when coaches say stuff like that, usually :)
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I generally like when they say it, especially a guy like Johnson who has a lot of power and sway.

In this case Burdens role is so small right now it feels empty to me when he says we need to "involve him more". He could get involved 100% more then he is right now and I'm still not wanting to put him in a lineup. Something from nothing is not much in this case, need a lot more.

Not sure how much their injuries derailed things or if this was always his plan but the integration for his two prized offensive weapons is a lot slower then I was hoping to see. I think a lot of us expected Burden to likely lag behind Rome and DJ to start but Zaccheus?

I'll believe it when I see it and willing to be late to the party before I put him in a lineup but at this point, for this year, I'm holding out hope for a post bye week rookie bump with their bye week coming early in week 5.
 
What are folks thinking now in redraft? Seems like he may be starting to get integrated into the offense more and as Caleb gets more familiar this could be a solid long term play for ROS.

At the same time only 3 targets, one was a flea flicker, Dallas D stinks, and he’s still third fiddle to Odunze, and Moore - although Moore hasn’t done squat this season so maybe he carves out a larger role at Moore’s expense.

Still on my waiver wire and I could use WR help. I have visions of ARSB rookie season where he peaked late dancing in my head as I think of getting Luther for ROS in the Ben Johnson scheme.
 
Proteus said:
skillz said:
What are folks thinking now in redraft?
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At this point, if Jamo is worth rostering, so is Burden imo.

And Matt Waldman's ringing endorsement this summer only portends an upward arrow.

One more splash play and you'll have to empty the FAAB wallet.
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Yeah, Waldman was saying that Burden will be the WR1 by season’s end. I can’t see that happening, but that’s how high he is on him.
 
bolzano said:
Proteus said:
skillz said:
What are folks thinking now in redraft?
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At this point, if Jamo is worth rostering, so is Burden imo.

And Matt Waldman's ringing endorsement this summer only portends an upward arrow.

One more splash play and you'll have to empty the FAAB wallet.
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Yeah, Waldman was saying that Burden will be the WR1 by season’s end. I can’t see that happening, but that’s how high he is on him.
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When I heard that I immediately tweeted @ him and Sig that if it happens, Sig better break out some Eric Burdon & War vocal stylings like he used to for Gurley with Donovan's Hurdy Gurdy man.
 
Wait so if I play this out in my mind, a path for Burden to WR3 means he has to at the very least leap frog DJ Moore.
If we're drawing comparisons to Jamo. Jamo has been the WR2 in Det. After St. Brown, no competition for targets in WR room.
They also just played Dallas who is looking like TB defense of 2024.
Will Ben Johnson really phase out DJ Moore?
 
Soooo is it safe to put him in lineups moving forward? Anyone have a crystal ball? yesterday was very encouraging, but Dallas really really sucks defensively, so I wonder if we have to keep that in mind too.
 
ffmail4me said:
Soooo is it safe to put him in lineups moving forward? Anyone have a crystal ball? yesterday was very encouraging, but Dallas really really sucks defensively, so I wonder if we have to keep that in mind too.
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I would take a wait-and-see approach for now. He was still under 30% snap share and the big play he had was a well drawn up Ben special against a bad defense.
 
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