Burden’s motivated mindset, which led him to Mizzou’s facility early this morning, is exactly what the Bears appreciate about the St. Louis native.

“The first thing everybody mentions is this is a competitive player,” Bears director of college scouting Breck Ackley said. “So you put him in competitive situations, whether it’s in the weight room, in situations where he crosses the line on the field, and he wants to compete, and he’s passionate about football.”

Along with his ultra-competitive spirit, Ackley said the Bears identified Burden as a “playmaker.” In his three seasons with the Tigers, Burden totaled 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns.

The versatility Burden displayed in college also stood out to the Bears.

“You’re looking for guys that can win before they get the ball in the route, when they get the ball in their hand,” Ackley said. “I think that’s where he really excels. It’s not hard to see when you watch the ball-in-hand ability. One of the unique things about him is he can win a few ways with the ball in his hand.

“He can win with speed, he can win with physicality and he can win with elusiveness. Another guy that can separate in routes and produce after the catch with the ball in his hands. Adds another weapon to the room.”