Who Should I Start? Pat Bryant or Luther Burden III

Wednesday, May 7, 9:34 PM

The Denver Broncos agreed to a four-year rookie contract with third-round wide receiver Pat Bryant on Wednesday, a source told 9 News' Mike Klis. The Broncos selected the Illinois product with the 74th overall pick to give them more wideout depth behind WR1 Courtland Sutton in 2025 and beyond. It's another weapon for second-year quarterback Bo Nix, and the 22-year-old pass-catcher should give him a nice big target with a wide catch radius at 6-foot-2, 204 pounds. Bryant has drawn comparisons to former Saints receiver Michael Thomas, who had a nice history with head coach Sean Payton. He could have trouble separating from defensive backs in the NFL, but Bryant's production (17 touchdowns the last two years) speaks for itself. Bryant will most likely struggle for volume in 2025 as he competes with Marvin Mims Jr., Devaughn Vele and Troy Franklin.

Tuesday, June 10, 9:57 PM

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (undisclosed), who suffered an undisclosed injury back in rookie minicamp, is expected to be ready to go for the start of training camp in late July, according to head coach Ben Johnson. The 21-year-old second-rounder has yet to sign his rookie deal, too, which is also playing a part in his absence from offseason workouts as he heads into his first year in the NFL. Burden is losing valuable reps to learn Johnson's offense, but when he does rejoin the team, he has an opportunity to be the Bears' No. 3 wideout in 2025 behind DJ Moore and second-year pass-catcher Rome Odunze. When you factor in tight ends Cole Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland (shoulder) and running back D'Andre Swift, it's a lot of mouths to feed in Chicago. Burden's physicality and production in college make him a fine dynasty/keeper stash, but he could struggle for consistency in 2025.