Bears rookie ticked off over his draft snub

May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden is still steaming over his perceived draft snub.

Burden was a 5-star recruit out of high school and went to Missouri. He was a first-team All-SEC player in 2023 and 2024, and he peaked with 86 catches for 1,212 yards and 9 receiving touchdowns as a sophomore in 2023.

Burden was drafted in the second round by the Bears two weeks ago, going No. 39 overall. He spoke with the media on Friday and expressed anger over his draft position.

“That’s staying with me forever,” Burden said. “Everybody who passed up on me gotta pay.”

#Bears WR Luther Burden III on dropping to Round 2: “That’s staying with me forever. Everybody who passed up on me gotta pay.”

pic.twitter.com/AwS9ZS8I2W https://t.co/Y1faELSm5t
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 9, 2025

If Burden uses that as motivation to become a better player, the Bears should end up happy. The world of sports is littered with stories of players who were motivated by a snub — real or perceived — to become a better player. Maybe this is just the fuel Burden needs to put together a big pro career.

Burden was the fifth wide receiver taken in the draft (not counting two-way player Travis Hunter). He was the Bears’ second pick, as the team selected tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 10 pick.