The Chicago Bears have a receiving corps that could be a problem for the rest of the NFC North this season. But which young wideout emerges as Caleb Williams’ go-to target is still very much up for debate. A former NFL scout just picked a side.
John Middlekauff, who worked as a scout for the Eagles and Raiders before moving into media, spent a chunk of his latest 3 & OUT podcast talking up second-year receiver Luther Burden III. And he didn’t hold back. Middlekauff called him a future superstar for the Bears on social media, attaching clips of his on-air praise. The basic argument: Burden’s ceiling might actually be higher than Rome Odunze’s.
That’s a strong take, considering Chicago took Odunze with the ninth overall pick in 2024 and Burden went 10th to the same team. But Middlekauff sees something in Burden that could push him past his more decorated teammate. He pointed to head coach Ben Johnson’s early handling of Burden as a sign. Johnson said back in May that he was buying Burden stock and praised the kid’s coachability. That kind of public vote of confidence from a coach known for his offensive mind matters.
Burden’s rookie numbers were modest — 47 catches for 652 yards and two scores on 60 targets. That target share could jump significantly in 2026 if he becomes Williams’ favorite. The Bears also have tight end Colston Loveland in the mix, but Middlekauff thinks Burden’s athletic ceiling separates him from the rest.
Middlekauff also brought up the pressure factor. Chicago’s pass rush is still thin, and the expectation is playoffs or bust. That means the offense has to carry the load again this fall. And to do that, they’ll need Burden to take a step forward. He argued that the combination of high expectations and a shaky defensive front forces the Bears to lean on their passing game, which creates opportunity for Burden.
Whether Burden actually overtakes Odunze for the WR1 role will play out over training camp and the early part of the regular season. But don’t be surprised if the Bears start finding ways to get the ball in his hands early and often. The ceiling talk is loud right now. What matters is whether he climbs toward it when the lights come on.
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