LB #10

Luther Burden III

Wide Receiver · Missouri

A dynamic Missouri slot receiver whose rookie efficiency numbers matched A.J. Brown's for the best in 15 years.

Luther Burden III was one of the most explosive playmakers in college football at Missouri, and the Bears made him their first pick of the second round in 2025 to add another weapon around Caleb Williams. He opened his rookie year slowly but closed it as one of the league's most efficient young receivers.

★ First-Team All-SEC (2023, 2024)

★ AP Second-Team All-America (2023)

★ Bears 2nd-round pick, No. 39 overall in 2025

★ Tied A.J. Brown's rookie-era record for yards per route run (min. 50 targets)

Path to the league

Burden started 34 of 38 games across three seasons at Missouri, finishing with 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns, and earned First-Team All-SEC honors in each of his final two seasons. He was AP Second-Team All-America in 2023 after piling up 1,212 receiving yards, and the Bears took him with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 draft.

Career highlights

Burden built his reputation as a tackle-breaking slot receiver at Missouri, using contact balance and body control to consistently pick up yards after the catch. His college production, including back-to-back seasons among the SEC's receiving leaders, made him one of the more coveted pass catchers available in his draft class.

2025 season recap

Burden caught 47 passes for 652 yards and two touchdowns over 15 games as a rookie, starting slowly with just 13 catches through his first seven games before erupting for 21 receptions and 324 yards over his final four. He scored his first career touchdown on a 65-yard flea flicker against Dallas in Week 3, and his 2.92 yards per route run tied A.J. Brown for the best mark by a rookie receiver with at least 50 targets in 15 years.