Though the Chicago Bears have made great strides to improve their offense this offseason, the departure of Keenan Allen leaves a hole in the team's passing game.
After allowing a league-high 68 sacks to Caleb Williams in his rookie season, the Bears improved their offensive line this offseason, adding Drew Dalman and trading for Joe Thuney. Despite the improved protection for Williams, Chicago lost one of their best playmakers in Allen, who caught 70 passes for 744 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
Chicago still has D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, but second-round draft pick Luther Burden III was named the Bears' most dangerous new addition this offseason by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski.
"The organization did a wonderful job, at least on paper, to upgrade his surrounding cast, including bringing in an offensive-minded head coach, and helping in his development," Sobleski wrote. "One of the lesser acquisitions might just create spark something special with the quarterback."
"Luther Burden III looked like a top-10 lock coming out of the 2024 season. He wasn't draft eligible, though, and his junior campaign wasn't nearly as productive or sensational. Yet this year's 39th overall draft pick should slide seamlessly into the slot as Keenan Allen's replacement. With 121 targets up for grabs after Allen's departure, Burden could receive the lion's share."
Burden caught 61 passes for 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns last year with the Missouri Tigers and has a chance to step in and make an immediate impact for Chicago. The Bears' offense is going to look different under new head coach Ben Johnson, and after drafting Burden in the second round of the draft, should give the rookie plenty of opportunities.
