Bears’ WR Plans Hinge on DJ Moore’s Versatile Future

NFL
By Birendra Singh
DJ Moore versatile receiver
DJ Moore: Bears’ most versatile receiver, excelling across positions. [Image Source: ATOZSPORTS]

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the value of versatility among his wide receivers as they prepare for the upcoming season. With seven players each receiving at least 48 targets last year, Johnson believes the team benefits from having multiple pass catchers who bring diverse skills to the field, especially as they face a 17-game regular season plus potential postseason contests.

Johnson remarked at the combine,

“Each guy brings something different to the table, and that’s really what we’re looking to generate from all our skill positions: how can we best complement each other? Who’s got the speed? We need versatility, guys that can line up all over the place, certainly guys that have great hands.”

He further noted the necessity of maintaining depth due to the physical demands of the season:

“I think when you look at a 17-game season or 17 games-plus when you make the postseason, you need all hands all deck. Because the truth of the matter is that not everybody is going to stay available throughout that.”

Assessing Luther Burden III as a Future Versatile Target

Luther Burden III has drawn strong attention for his impressive collegiate tape, showcasing traits that make him a promising receiver for Chicago’s roster. His combination of polish, elusiveness, physicality, and NFL-caliber speed, according to analysts, positions him as a high ceiling prospect. As Austin Abbott tweeted,

“Luther Burden III’s tape is about as enticing as it gets man. He was really such a polished prospect coming out of Missouri. High ceiling, elusive, physical, shifty, and real NFL speed… Chicago got a gift with the 39th overall pick. A true WR1.”

Burden’s role last season illustrated the significance of versatility on the Bears’ receiving corps, especially as injuries sidelined key players like Rome Odunze and Burden himself, forcing others to step up. Johnson pointed out that DJ Moore demonstrated remarkable adaptability, capable of lining up across all receiver positions and running a complete route tree.

Currently, the Bears lack a receiver known for elite speed, which increases the importance of Moore’s flexibility. Should Chicago consider trading or releasing him, acquiring or developing a similar versatile receiver becomes crucial. Burden is viewed as a candidate who could evolve into that role, with the team closely examining prospects at events like the Senior Bowl and Indianapolis workouts to identify versatile playmakers.

DJ Moore
Image of: DJ Moore

Trade Speculation Surrounding DJ Moore and Maxx Crosby

Financial constraints and the quest to strengthen their defensive pass rush have fueled rumors of a potential trade involving DJ Moore. One proposed deal with the Las Vegas Raiders would send Moore, along with first- and third-round picks in 2026 and 2027 respectively, to the Raiders in exchange for edge rusher Maxx Crosby and a 2027 mid-round draft selection. This deal highlights the Bears’ urgency to create salary cap space and shore up their defense, though the future of Moore as a receiver remains a pivotal factor in their offensive strategy.

USC’s Makai Lemon Shows Promise as a Tough Receiver

At the combine, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was asked about the quarterbacks he would most like to catch passes from, naming former teammate Caleb Williams first. He continued,

“Probably go Aaron Rogers would be cool. He a GOAT. He a legend. One more. I would go Jayden Daniels. Sure.”

Lemon’s playing style is marked by resilience and a fearless attitude, qualities that resonate with both Johnson and the Bears franchise. He said,

“Probably my fearlessness and my unwavering ability just to never back down. Things don’t go right in the road, I ain’t never going to back down, tuck my tail. I’m gonna problem solve. I’m gonna get through it.”

His approach and tenacity have drawn comparisons to Amon-Ra St. Brown, another former USC receiver who played under Johnson in Detroit. NFL analyst Mel Kiper Jr. described Lemon as

“a warrior who plays with passion”

and highly praised his attacking style after making catches.

Draft analyst Lance Zierlein added,

“Elevates his toughness and focus when catch is contested,”

underscoring Lemon’s competitive edge. However, unless Chicago moves up in the first round, acquiring Lemon may be difficult due to his projected draft status as a mid to upper first-round pick.

Other Receiver Prospects: Chris Hilton and KC Concepcion

LSU’s Chris Hilton has drawn modest interest from the Bears, though not at the combine. Known more as a potential Day 3 pick or undrafted free agent, Hilton showed only 41 receptions over 38 college games but averaged an impressive 19 yards per catch with six touchdowns. His speed and ability to stretch the field were highlighted by analyst Anthony Russo, who called him

“a true burner with legit deep speed but also has explosive burst and solid YAC ability.”

Texas A&M’s KC Concepcion also emerged as a player drawing the Bears’ attention, likely available in the second round. He discussed his versatility openly, saying,

“It has set me up for the future, me being able to play kick return, me being able to play quarterback, me being able to play running back, me being able to play receiver, I feel like those younger days have set me up.”

At 6-foot and 196 pounds, Concepcion has excelled not only as a receiver but also as a punt returner, posting a spectacular 16.7-yard average over 30 returns and scoring two touchdowns on punt returns during his last season.

Concepcion elaborated on his playing style during the combine:

“As soon as I get the ball in my hands, it’s electric. I will never let the first guy take me down, it doesn’t matter if it’s a screen, if it’s a slant, if it’s a fade route, any route, really, I am going to catch the ball and it’s gonna be amazing.”

Moreover, Concepcion recognizes the importance of physicality and blocking, which aligns with Johnson’s team philosophy.

“One thing also I do really well, I block in the run game, but I can get better at that,”

he said.

“Also, I can be more physical.”

What DJ Moore’s Future Means for the Bears’ Receiving Group

The Bears’ plans for their receiving corps significantly hinge on the future status of DJ Moore, widely regarded as one of the most versatile receivers on the roster. His ability to fill multiple roles and run nearly every route gives the team flexibility and depth. Should Moore remain with Chicago, the team might focus on supplementing his skill set with complementary talents like Burden or Concepcion.

However, if the Bears decide to trade Moore, either to gain cap space or acquire defensive help such as Maxx Crosby, they would need a receiver who can fill the void left behind as a reliable, multifaceted target. This uncertainty adds an anxious and hopeful edge to Chicago’s offseason as they weigh options, draft strategy, and free agency moves to build a balanced and versatile offense.

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