Chicago Bears Officially Ink All Three Second-Round Picks from 2025 NFL Draft, Highlighting Major Rebuild with Burden, Trapilo, Turner

The Chicago Bears made a significant move toward solidifying their future on Saturday by officially signing all three of their second-round selections from the 2025 NFL Draft. The trio—wide receiver Luther Burden III, offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo, and defensive lineman Shemar Turner—each put pen to paper on rookie deals, marking a key step in the Bears’ aggressive roster rebuild under general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus.

For a team aiming to transition from perennial rebuilder to legitimate playoff contender, this round of signings doesn’t just fill roster spots—it injects young talent into positions of need with players known for their leadership, production, and pro-ready skill sets.

Luther Burden III, a standout receiver from Missouri, was the 35th overall pick and the headliner among the Bears’ Day 2 selections. Known for his explosive playmaking and uncanny ability to turn short gains into long touchdowns, Burden gives the Bears a dynamic weapon to complement their new franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick. At 5-foot-11 and 208 pounds, Burden blends quick-twitch agility with a physical edge rarely seen at his position, earning comparisons to Pro Bowlers like Deebo Samuel and DJ Moore—now his teammate.

During his junior year at Missouri, Burden posted 1,212 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 86 receptions. His ability to line up in the slot or outside made him a mismatch nightmare in the SEC and now gives Chicago a Swiss Army knife in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s system. The Bears have lacked that true yards-after-catch threat in recent years, and Burden has the potential to fill that gap from day one.

“I’m excited to be here, man. It’s a dream come true,” Burden said during his introductory press conference. “But now the real work begins. I came to Chicago to help win championships. That’s the only goal.”

Next up was Ozzy Trapilo, the 52nd overall selection. The Boston College product became one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the ACC, earning All-Conference honors in his senior year. At 6-foot-8 and 315 pounds, Trapilo brings the kind of size, footwork, and toughness that the Bears desperately need in the trenches.

He started 33 consecutive games at left and right tackle, showcasing not only durability but also versatility—qualities Poles values highly when evaluating linemen. Given the team’s commitment to protecting Caleb Williams and establishing a power-run identity, Trapilo figures to compete for a starting job immediately, either at right tackle or guard.

“Offensive line play sets the tone, and Ozzy is a tone-setter,” said Poles. “He’s smart, aggressive, and has the frame to develop into a long-term starter. We’re excited to get him in the building.”

Trapilo, who already has experience blocking for mobile quarterbacks, called Williams “a special talent” and expressed excitement about playing a role in his development.

“It’s my job to keep him upright,” Trapilo said. “And I take that personally. Caleb’s going to do amazing things. I just want to be one of the guys making sure he can do them in a clean pocket.”

Last but certainly not least, Shemar Turner rounds out the group. The Texas A&M product, taken with the 64th overall pick, has been described as one of the most disruptive interior defenders in college football over the past two seasons. At 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, Turner’s blend of size, strength, and quickness gives Chicago a potential game-changer on the defensive line.

With seven sacks and 14 tackles for loss in his senior season, Turner was a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. His high motor, gap discipline, and versatility to play both inside and out fit perfectly into Eberflus’ aggressive 4-3 scheme, where interior pressure is key.

Turner arrives at a time when the Bears are looking to bolster a defense that has been improving but still lacked consistent pass-rushing punch from the interior. With Montez Sweat anchoring the edge, Turner gives Chicago a potential one-two punch on the defensive front that could turn into something special.

“I want to be part of a defensive line that dominates,” Turner said. “Montez is already doing that. I just want to bring my piece to the puzzle. I’m going to play hard, study harder, and make my mark.”

With the three signings, the Bears have now locked up every one of their 2025 draft selections. It’s a quick and decisive move by the front office, demonstrating a level of organizational cohesion that Chicago has strived for in recent years. All three contracts are four-year deals, with financial terms aligned with the NFL’s rookie wage scale. As is customary, each includes a team-friendly structure that gives the Bears cap flexibility as they continue to build around their young core.

The trio’s signings come on the heels of an exciting offseason that included the blockbuster selection of Caleb Williams, the addition of veteran leaders on both sides of the ball, and a renewed sense of direction from ownership down to the locker room.

Poles emphasized that beyond their physical traits, what drew the Bears to Burden, Trapilo, and Turner was their mindset.

“These guys love football. They’re hungry, and they come from programs that instilled toughness and accountability,” Poles said. “Those are the guys we want in Chicago.”

The draft haul has also earned praise from analysts across the league. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. called the Bears’ second round “one of the strongest single rounds any team had,” while NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah said the trio “checks boxes across all three levels—offense, defense, and protection.”

Training camp will serve as the next proving ground for the rookies, but expectations are high. Burden is expected to immediately compete for snaps as the WR2 alongside DJ Moore, while Trapilo could push veterans for starting reps at right tackle or even inside at guard. Turner, meanwhile, figures to be a key part of the rotation on the defensive line, potentially earning a starting role by midseason if his college production translates quickly.

It’s a rare occurrence for a team to walk away with three Day 2 picks all expected to contribute in year one, but that’s exactly the scenario unfolding in Chicago.

For a franchise that has struggled to find and retain top-tier draft talent over the past decade, this year’s second round represents more than just another step in the rebuild—it could very well be the foundation of something much greater.

The Bears faithful, long hungry for sustained success, now have reason to believe that brighter days are ahead. The signing of Burden, Trapilo, and Turner signals not only a commitment to development but a bold belief in the future—a future that now feels closer than ever before.

As training camp approaches and the rookies take their place alongside veterans, the message is clear: the Chicago Bears aren’t waiting to get better. They’re ready now. And with their 2025 second-round trio officially on board, the rebuild just got a whole lot more real.