LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Luther Burden III and Jameson Williams go way back. The star receivers played together at Cardinal Ritter Prep in St. Louis back in 2018, when Williams was a senior and Burden was a freshman.

They have remained close even after parting ways, remaining in contact over the years. Williams went to Alabama and then the Detroit Lions as a 2022 first-round NFL Draft pick. Burden starred at Missouri and was recently the first of three Bears second-round selections.

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That created another crossover conversation topic. Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson became Bears head coach this offseason, and Williams had a short but super positive scouting report.

“He told me I’m gonna love it,” Burden said on Friday after Day 1 of rookie minicamp. “So…let’s go.”

Johnson’s offense is known for being explosive, entertaining and super productive. Williams exceeded 1,000 yards and a whopping 17.3 yards per reception in 2024 even with other top targets in the pattern.

There’s potential for Burden to produce within the scheme if he reaches potential. Williams told Johnson about Burden shortly after the No. 39 overall selection, lobbing his former coach a text praising the Bears’ newest receiver.

“Jamo texted me right after we took him, and he said, ‘You got a dog just like me,’” Johnson said shortly after the draft’s conclusion. “Luther has that same confidence. He’s got that same swagger to him. For 6-foot, 200-plus pounds, it’s rare to see somebody 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, a weapon, call him what you want, but I see big things in his future.”

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Burden’s future will include involvement from his high-school teammate, who has experienced some highs and lows early in his NFL career. It will be a benefit to have counsel from someone who has been there before.

“We’ve had a great relationship throughout my career because he was someone I can ask for advice if I need it,” Burden said. “And we always work out together and stuff like that.”