The Chicago Bears entered the 2025 NFL Draft riding a wave of optimism not felt in years. For a franchise haunted by decades of mediocrity and quarterback misfires, the selection of Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick symbolized more than just a new beginning—it was a statement. The future had arrived, and for once, it looked bright. General manager Ryan Poles had orchestrated a string of impressive moves leading up to the draft, retooling the roster with purpose and precision. The fanbase, long starved for stability, was buzzing with a rare sense of belief.
With Williams now at the helm, Poles made it a priority to equip his young quarterback with an arsenal of weapons. Through free agency and trades, the Bears assembled one of the league’s most dynamic offensive cores. The draft was supposed to be the final piece—a strategic continuation of a well-executed offseason plan. But when the Bears stepped up to make their second-round selection, things took a puzzling turn.
Chicago used their second-round pick to select Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III—a move that, at first glance, seemed like another effort to stack the deck for Williams. Burden, known for his explosive athleticism and playmaking ability, was a fan favorite in college and boasted a highlight reel full of jaw-dropping moments. However, his fit in Chicago’s already crowded receiving room raised eyebrows immediately.
With D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and the recently acquired Rome Odunze already on the depth chart, the decision to spend high draft capital on another wide receiver seemed less like a luxury and more like an unnecessary gamble. The Bears had pressing needs elsewhere—particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary. Positions that could directly impact Williams’ development and the team’s ability to stay competitive in high-stakes games.
It wasn’t just about the pick—it was about the opportunity cost. Several offensive linemen and defensive backs still on the board were projected starters who could’ve contributed from day one. Instead, the Bears doubled down on wide receiver, potentially creating a logjam while ignoring areas where depth and talent were sorely needed.
Poles has earned some benefit of the doubt for his recent moves, and it’s possible Burden develops into a star. But NFL drafts are as much about roster balance and positional value as they are about raw talent. In that sense, the Burden pick felt like a deviation from the strategic clarity that defined the Bears’ offseason up to that point.
The hope, of course, is that this decision doesn’t come back to haunt them. But in a league where every pick counts, especially for a team betting on a rookie quarterback, the Bears’ gamble on Luther Burden III could wind up being remembered not as the cherry on top—but as the one mistake that cost them dearly.
