Ben Johnson’s new comparisons for Luther Burden III show how he’s becoming the perfect wide receiver for this offense
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson sees greatness in wide receiver Luther Burden III with traits mirroring some of the top wide receivers he’s coached in the past.
The Chicago Bears opened the opportunity for second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III to take on a much larger role this upcoming season after trading away veteran wide receiver DJ Moore and since that moment, Burden hasn’t taken anything for granted.
General manager Ryan Poles spoke last week about how Burden was always at the team facility since his rookie season ended putting in the work to improve and was constantly hitting up his quarterbacks to get throwing sessions in.
His work ethic has been second to none this offseason and it’s been impossible to miss with training camp now rolling at Halas Hall.
“I’ve been around a few guys that they’re wired in a kind of way where I don’t know if it’s at an early age, but they feel like this is their destiny. This is where they’re supposed to be. And I feel that from him,” head coach Ben Johnson said of Burden.
Ben Johnson sees greatness starting to emerge from Luther Burden III, just like two of his former WRs
Ben Johnson has worked with tons of talented wide receivers throughout his coaching career between the Miami Dolphins and the Detroit Lions. What he’s seen from Burden after just a few months mirrors some of the traits he’s seen from the two best receivers he’s coached and explains why he’s the perfect fit in his offense.
“It’s anytime they flip a switch when they go on the field and they feel like they are invincible and they’re the best players out there,” Johnson explained, via FOX32 Chicago. “I’ve been around some guys like Jarvis Landry – who’s a tremendous competitor, played with a little chip on his shoulder, was physical in the running game, not afraid of contact. You could just feel the team elevate based on his style of play. St. Brown in Detroit – who I have a strong affinity for – he plays the game the same way. . .
“I feel that from Luther. I know he wasn’t a full-time starter for us a year ago, but the snaps that he did had, he’s got that competitive edge and desire to be great. It’s carried over throughout the spring and summer as well. He’s been a regular in the building, he’s been working with our strength staff, wants to be the most conditioned player on the team, wants to be one of the strongest receivers on the team. Just continues to soak in all of the knowledge that Coach Randle El and Coach Isaiah Ford can give him.”
Anyone who watched Burden last season could see all of those same qualities. Quarterback Caleb Williams has mentioned how Burden was a “problem” with the ball in his hands for opposing defenses and he wasn’t afraid to show off his physicality.
It’s clear those inside in the building in Chicago have high expectations for what Burden can show off in Year 2 and it’s not a surprise by any means. Since the 2025-26 season ended, Burden’s constantly been mentioned as one of the top breakout stars in the entire league.
Johnson’s recent praise and comparisons to Landry and St. Brown add more insight into why this guy has an upward trajectory and no signs of slowing down in any way.
