Chicago Bears 2025 coaching camp preview: Large receivers

[ad_1] Chicago Bears coaching camp is simply across the nook, which suggests it’s time to start out trying forward on the roster the crew is bringing to Lake Forest.

We're unveiling our Bears 2025 coaching camp place previews, the place we're breaking down each participant by place and analyzing the largest query dealing with the group.

Up subsequent is extensive receiver, a place that could be a huge focus going into the offseason following a disappointing 2024 season. With DJ Moore as the highest receiver, final yr's ninth total decide Rome Odunze is primed for an even bigger function. Chicago struck huge within the second spherical of the 2025 NFL draft deciding on Luther Burden III and giving the new-look offense a three-headed monster on the extensive receiver place.

Let us take a look at the Bears' extensive receivers heading into 2025 coaching camp:

DJ Moore In his first yr with Caleb Williams as his quarterback, DJ Moore fell simply in need of a 100-reception, 1,000-yard receiving season ending the season with 98 receptions, 966 receiving yards, and 6 touchdowns. Moore is the important thing to the passing recreation success and the eye he instructions from opposing defenses ought to open up alternative for younger receivers Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Ben Johnson labored wonders with Amon-Ra St. Brown whereas he was in Detroit, and his arrival in Chicago may take Moore's recreation to the following degree.

Rome Odunze Final yr's ninth total decide, Rome Odunze had a serviceable and respectable rookie season, however did depart extra to be desired in his total manufacturing. Ending his rookie yr with 54 receptions, 734 receiving yards, and three touchdowns, Odunze appeared to return into his personal close to the tip of the yr, and will take an enormous leap in his second season.

Luther Burden III Drafted with the thirty ninth total decide on this yr's draft, Luther Burden III fell into the Bears' laps and provides one other dynamic receiving risk alongside Moore and Odunze. In three seasons with the Missouri Tigers, Burden totaled 2,263 receiving yards, 234 dashing yards, and 25 mixed touchdowns in three seasons. Drawing comparisons to Deebo Samuel, Burden could possibly be a flexible software for this offense in his first yr.

Olamide Zaccheaus Signed this offseason to a one-year deal, Olamide Zaccheaus involves Chicago after spending one season with the Washington Commanders the place he totaled 45 receptions, 506 receiving yards, and three touchdowns. Zaccheaus brings veteran depth presence into an already gifted extensive receiver room, and could possibly be a sneaky shock when given alternatives within the passing recreation.

Devin Duvernay Identical to Zaccheaus, Devin Duvernay signed a one-year cope with Chicago in free company this offseason. Duvernay is greater than prone to function the crew's return specialist, taking on for Tyler Scott who has but to make a significant affect since getting into the league. Duvernay was a First-team All-Professional choice in 2021, and a two-time Professional Bowl choice in 2021 and 2022.

Tyler Scott A former fourth-round decide of the Bears again in 2023, Tyler Scott has had little success since becoming a member of the group. Scott didn't bode effectively in restricted time on the extensive receiver place, and was changed into the crew's kick and punt returner however had struggles there as effectively. Scott goes to must earn his hold throughout coaching camp with the brand new veterans that had been added this offseason.

Miles Boykin Veteran receiver Miles Boykin hung out with the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Seattle Seahawks earlier than signing with the Bears this offseason. The Chicago-area born product will carry depth to the receiver room which is full of a veteran presence.

Maurice Alexander Having hung out with the Detroit Lions from 2022 to 2024, Maurice Alexander signed with the Bears this offseason and brings a familiarity with Ben Johnson and his model of offense. He is additionally a contender within the kick return recreation.

Samori Toure With simply 13 profession receptions in his two seasons within the NFL, Samori Toure was signed to the Bears apply squad in 2024 after which a reserve/future contract in January. He'll issue into the apply squad as soon as once more.

John Jackson Signing with Chicago final yr as an undrafted free agent final season, John Jackson was a member of the crew's apply squad in 2024 and signed to a reserve/future contract in January. Jackson, a former faculty teammate of Caleb Williams, is anticipated to contend for a apply squad spot as soon as once more.

JP Richardson JP Richardson signed with the Bears as an undrafted free agent out of TCU this yr. He was a two-time Honorable Point out All-Huge 12 Convention, as soon as as a large receiver and the opposite time as a return specialist. He isn't anticipated to compete for a roster spot, however the apply squad is actually an possibility.

Jahdae Walker One other undrafted free agent who signed with Chicago following this yr's draft, Jahdae Walker completed his collegiate profession with Texas A&M the place he totaled 64 receptions, 935 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns in two seasons.

Huge Query: How huge of an affect will Luther Burden III have as a rookie? The Bears landed a steal in Luther Burden III within the early second spherical of the 2025 NFL draft, and he has the potential to make a direct affect as a rookie. Burden has drawn comparisons to all-Professional Deebo Samuel and even Amon-Ra St. Brown, however he has an extended technique to go earlier than he can match these comparisons. Nonetheless, given Burden's success within the slot throughout his Missouri days, it makes him an ideal candidate to thrive on this offense. Ben Johnson talked about how the ball all the time finds the man within the slot, and that is the place Burden has confirmed to be most deadly. If Burden carves out a task for himself within the slot, he may have an impactful rookie season and change into a favourite goal for quarterback Caleb Williams. Whereas most NFL groups have two dynamic extensive receivers, Chicago has a chance to have a really gifted and manufacturing trio (together with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze) if Burden will get an enormous function in his rookie season.