Missouri Head Coach Eli Drinkwitz recently went on record defining Chicago Bears second-round pick Luther Burden III, after the Wide receiver, who was a projected first-round talent, fell to day two.
This came after comments from former NFL Wide receiver Steve Smith, criticizing the Bears for the pick ahead of Burden’s first season in the NFL.
Missouri Coach Eli Drinkwitz Stands Up for Former Tigers WR Luther Burden Following Criticism From NFL Analyst
On his recent podcast, the former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. revealed his thoughts on the Chicago Bears’ second-round pick, labeling WR Luther Burden III as a “system player.”
“I think he’s a good football player. I also think they force-feed him,” Smith explained. “They allowed him to run so many routes at the expense of other receivers on the team, which has hampered their draft status, and that has increased his draft status.”
Smith, now an analyst for NFL Network, also slammed Burden for apparent issues with ‘focus, ‘ explaining that he believed the former Missouri wide receiver has issues when he isn’t targeted.
“If he doesn’t get the ball when he believes he should, he becomes unfocused,” Smith said.
Despite his apparent issues with the pickl, the five-time Pro Bowler did admit that Burden had some likeable traits, such as his explosive play with the ball in hand.
“Explosive with the ball in his hands. You get a lot of usage out of him at times. They seem to force the ball to him. Is the criticism right now? Against bigger and physical teams, didn’t answer the bell with the same energy.”
Mizzou HC Eli Drinkwitz Fires Back at Steve Smith
Despite the former Pro Bowler’s comments, Burden’s head coach at Missouri, Eli Drinkwitz, joined Chicago sports radio station 670 The Score to defend his former player.
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz’s response to Steve Smith’s criticism of new Bears receiver Luther Burden III: “He’s got his own issues to worry about. I’m not worried about somebody else’s opinion of Luther Burden’s tape. The Chicago Bears liked the tape enough and believed in it.” pic.twitter.com/BxZgl3lr17
— 670 The Score (@670TheScore) April 30, 2025
“He’s got his own issues to worry about. I’m not worried about somebody else’s opinion of Luther Burden’s tape. The Chicago Bears liked the tape enough and believed in it,” the Missouri Head coach explained.
“He’s an all-conference player, an All-American player. Everybody’s got haters and critics. I mean, I don’t really care,” Drinkwitz stated.
RELATED: Luther Burden III Already Gunning for Offensive Rookie of the Year Honors With IG Reply
Another expert who agrees with Drinkwitz’s assessment on Luther Burden is his new head coach in Chicago, Ben Johnson, who is set to take over for his first season as head coach of the Bears.
“Luther? Stud. You saw the highlights, right? He’s a playmaker waiting to happen. For 6’0”, 200-plus pounds, it’s rare to see someone with his movement skills. He can stop on a dime and accelerate just like that.
“Give him a little bit of space, and he can make big things happen. A dangerous player, weapon, call him what you want, but I see big things in his future,” Coach Johnson explained, speaking to the media.
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