The Chicago Bears added a big-time playmaker at wide receiver when they selected Luther Burden III with the 39th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. Burden joins a receiver room led by veteran DJ Moore and second-year pro Rome Odunze, a first-round pick last year.

As for his new team: The Bears had several perceived draft needs under new head coach Ben Johnson. They’d already selected a tight end in Colston Loveland at No. 10 overall, and several mocks projected they’d look at running backs, edge rushers, safeties or offensive tackles.

Falling to the second round initially threw Luther Burden III for a loss but the Missouri receiver took a more positive view Saturday toward the task ahead.