Windy City Gridiron
ESPN recently published Matt Miller’s top 100 best picks, steals, and fits from the 2025 NFL Draft, and the Chicago Bears weren’t just well represented. They weren’t just mentioned in the top ten. His number one choice was Chicago’s first second-round pick, whom Miller called one of his “favorite players throughout this process.”
1. Luther Burden III, WR, Chicago Bears (Pick 2-39)
My final overall ranking: No. 13
Burden was my top wide receiver in the class (I’m counting Travis Hunter as a two-way player), and he landed in a great situation with the Bears and new coach Ben Johnson. Burden’s yards-after-catch ability is terrific, and Johnson’s scheme has been elite at creating space for wide receivers. Burden likely starts as a slot receiver with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze flanking him, but he thrived in that alignment at Missouri
The further away from the draft we get, and the more I dig into Burden, the more I like this pick. I agree that the slot receiver will be the primary position he learns as a rookie, but Johnson’s formation use will see him lined up all over the field. Burden’s yards after catch ability makes him a logical manufactured touch receiver, but Johnson’s smart enough to use that “tendency” to his advantage.
Burden’s play-making ability opens up the playbook more than last year’s frequent slot receiver did. And that’s not a knock on Keenan Allen, it’s just that Allen was better finding spots in a zone or posting up a defender, whereas Burden's speed, quickness, and ability to make people miss make him potentially more dangerous.
Burden won’t always be in the slot, because if Johnson likes the matchup with Odunze as a bigger slot, he’ll motion himself to that advantage with Burden working outside. Burden could run routes from the backfield or jet across the formation for better leverage.
I wasn’t anticipating the Bears to make such a big swing at wideout in the draft, but the possibilities of this receiving group are exciting.
But wait, there’s more!
7. Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears (Pick 1-10)
My final overall ranking: No. 6
I had Loveland as my No. 1 tight end, and apparently the Bears agreed; they made him the top tight end drafted. His ability in the passing game — he runs routes like a receiver and has the speed to separate from linebackers and safeties — makes Loveland an easy comparison to Sam LaPorta, who Bears coach Ben Johnson had great success with in Detroit. Value, need and scheme fit all match with this pick.
Loveland is a much better all-around player than you think he is. He’ll never be compared to Brandon Manumaleuna as a blocker, but he’s not strictly a “Joker” either. The Bears will ask him to block, and he’ll be lined up next to an offensive tackle on occasion, but his versatility will be used all over the offense.
If a defense...
