Chicago Bears rookie Luther Burden III officially chose jersey number 87 for the upcoming season, despite his preference for the number 3, which carries personal significance. The number 3, however, is retired by the Bears in honor of Hall of Famer Bronko Nagurski. With 14 numbers already retired and several more potentially heading in the same direction, Burden humorously noted that most good options were unavailable.

Other notable players who have donned the number 87 for the Bears include Ed O'Bradovich, Emery Moorehead, and Tom Waddle, all of whom contributed significantly to the franchise's legacy. As a second-round pick, Burden aims to carve his own path in an already storied history.

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III has emerged as a significant asset following his selection in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, a move widely labeled as a steal. Analysts had anticipated Burden to be a top-three receiver, yet he slipped through the cracks on Day 1, which has fueled his determination. He has made it clear that he intends to make every team that passed on him regret their decision, exemplified by his statement, "Everybody who passed up on me has got to pay." Burden, who primarily played in the slot at Missouri, is expected to flourish in head coach Ben Johnson's versatile offensive scheme.

His ability to gain yards after catch (YAC) positions him as a dynamic threat for quarterback Caleb Williams, who now has another potent weapon in the Bears' passing arsenal. Given Burden's skill set and the innovative ways Johnson plans to utilize him, his impact in the upcoming season could be substantial. With defenders now on alert, Burden is poised to prove his doubters wrong and elevate his game to a new level.

The 2025 NFL Draft has left a significant mark on the landscape of dynasty fantasy football, with player values fluctuating dramatically. Jerry Jeudy, now with the Cleveland Browns, is a standout riser as he continues to establish himself as the team's top receiver, despite potential challenges from new teammate Diontae Johnson. Meanwhile, Javonte Williams of the Dallas Cowboys might be poised for a prominent role as the RB1, but concerns linger about his past performances and injury recovery. D'Andre Swift has found himself in a better situation with the Chicago Bears, maintaining his lead back status after the team chose not to draft a running back early.

Conversely, Najee Harris has seen his stock plummet with the Los Angeles Chargers after they invested a first-round pick in Omarion Hampton, marking a serious blow to his dynasty value. Similarly, Jalen McMillan's rise seemed short-lived as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted Emeka Egbuka, complicating his role within the team's offense. Amidst this turbulence, fantasy players must make strategic decisions on which players to keep, trade, or sell as the offseason unfolds.

Ben Johnson marked a significant milestone as he led his inaugural practice as the head coach of the Chicago Bears during rookie minicamp. The upbeat atmosphere was palpable as Johnson, transitioning from coordinator to head coach, embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. He expressed that while he has room for improvement, he was encouraged by both his coaching staff and the competitive spirit of the rookies.

The practice at Halas Hall, viewed as both a rookie and coach orientation, saw Johnson actively engaging with players on both sides of the ball. Rookie standout Colston Loveland praised Johnson's energy and determination, highlighting the positive shift in coaching dynamics from previous seasons.

Johnson's approach is characterized by intensity and active engagement, a contrast to the previous coaching style. As the Bears prepare for OTAs, Johnson's leadership will be crucial in shaping the team's future.

Missouri football is gearing up for the 2025 season with a roster primarily revamped at wide receiver following the departures of notable talents like Luther Burden III and Theo Wease Jr. Marquis Johnson emerges as the veteran presence among a group filled with potential but lacking in experience. Kevin Coleman Jr., a seasoned transfer from Mississippi State, seems poised to take on the role of the team's leading receiver, bringing a wealth of experience to the slot position. The coaching staff is optimistic about the growth of returning players and incoming freshmen, emphasizing the need for depth alongside Coleman.

Despite Johnson's breakout performance in his sophomore year, there are concerns about the overall development of the receiving unit, which struggled last season. Offensive coordinator Kirby Moore highlights the importance of having multiple reliable options beyond Coleman to ensure a balanced passing attack. The Tigers aim to build on the legacy of their former star receivers by continuing to refine the skills of their current roster.