5 Shocking Reasons Why LSU Star Major Burns Went Undrafted—And His Path To The Chicago Bears Roster

The journey of Major Burns to the NFL took an unexpected detour, turning a projected Day 3 selection into an Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) signing with the Chicago Bears following the 2024 NFL Draft. This surprising outcome for the LSU Tigers' leading tackler has created a buzz, with many analysts questioning how a player of his caliber and on-field production could slip entirely through the seven rounds. Now, in December 2025, Burns is fighting for a spot on the Bears’ 53-man roster, bringing a high-IQ, aggressive style of play that could prove invaluable to the secondary depth.

Burns's signing, finalized in May 2024, immediately added a versatile, physical presence to the Bears' defensive backfield, a unit that general manager Ryan Poles is keen to fortify. His transition from a highly-touted SEC safety to a rookie UDFA is the ultimate underdog story, forcing him to rely on his exceptional football instincts and special teams potential to carve out a professional career.

Major Burns: Full Biography and Career Profile

Major Delmontzra Burns is a versatile defensive back whose collegiate career spanned two major SEC programs, establishing him as a high-production safety with a reputation for aggressive, downhill play. His profile is one of a durable, experienced leader who consistently showed up on the stat sheet.

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• Full Name: Major Delmontzra Burns
• Date of Birth: May 22, 2002
• Hometown: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• High School: Madison Prep Academy (Baton Rouge, LA)
• College: Georgia Bulldogs (2020), LSU Tigers (2021–2024)
• Position: Safety (S) / Defensive Back (DB)
• Height: 6'2"
• Weight: 207 lbs
• Arm Length: 31 1/2 inches (LSU Pro Day)
• NFL Team: Chicago Bears (Undrafted Free Agent, 2024)
• Career Stats Highlights: 213 total career tackles, 11.0 Tackles for Loss (TFL), 2.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 fumble recoveries over five collegiate seasons. Led the LSU Tigers in tackles in 2023 with 93.

The Shocking Fall: 5 Reasons Major Burns Became a UDFA

Despite being a highly productive, five-year starter in the Southeastern Conference (SEC)—the pinnacle of college football—Major Burns's name was notably absent from the 2024 NFL Draft board. His pre-draft buzz suggested a Day 3 selection, making his UDFA status a significant surprise. Several factors likely contributed to the unexpected slip, creating a massive chip on his shoulder as he enters the league.

1. Below-Average Measurables for the Safety Position

While Burns has excellent height (6'2"), his arm length measured at 31 1/2 inches at the LSU Pro Day, which is on the shorter side for an NFL safety. In a league increasingly obsessed with length and wingspan for defensive backs, shorter arms can be a red flag, limiting a player’s ability to disrupt passes at the catch point or shed blocks quickly. This subtle physical detail is often enough to push a prospect down the draft board, especially in the mid-to-late rounds.

2. Lack of Elite Ball Production

Burns's career statistics show a high volume of tackles and TFLs, demonstrating his willingness to play near the line of scrimmage and fill run gaps. However, his ball production numbers—just two career interceptions and a handful of pass breakups—are relatively low for a potential starting NFL safety. Scouts look for "ball-hawking" skills, and the lack of turnovers raised questions about his coverage instincts and ability to consistently create game-changing plays against elite passing attacks.

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3. Positional Versatility vs. Positional Identity

Burns is often described as a "versatile defensive back" and a "box safety" who excels in run support and playing downhill. While versatility is generally a positive, it can sometimes work against a player in the draft process if they don't have one elite, defined skill. Teams may have struggled to project him as a pure Free Safety (deep coverage) or a definitive Strong Safety (in-the-box run stopper), leading to hesitation when allocating a draft pick.

4. Concerns Over Elite Top-End Speed

While Pro Day reports suggested a solid 40-yard dash time and an impressive 42-inch vertical jump, some scouting reports indicated that Burns's top-end speed in deep coverage situations was a slight concern. In the modern NFL, where safeties are constantly tasked with covering ground from the middle of the field to the boundary, a lack of elite recovery speed can be a major knock, especially for a player who plays with such aggressive confidence.

5. The UDFA Contract Value and Team Fit

The NFL Draft is also a business decision. For teams with limited draft capital, signing a high-value UDFA like Burns—who was projected to go on Day 3—allows them to secure a talented player without spending a pick. The Chicago Bears, in particular, are known for targeting high-production SEC players as UDFAs to bolster their secondary depth and special teams. Burns's contract with the Bears included a guaranteed amount, signaling the team's high interest and making the UDFA route a strategic, though disappointing, outcome for the player.

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Major Burns's Path to the Chicago Bears 53-Man Roster

Major Burns's new reality is that of an Undrafted Free Agent, meaning his path to the final 53-man roster is steep. He must outperform not only other UDFAs but also late-round draft picks and established veterans on the depth chart. Fortunately, his skill set aligns perfectly with the areas where the Chicago Bears need immediate help.

The Special Teams Ace Blueprint

The most direct route for any UDFA defensive back to make an NFL roster is through special teams. Burns’s aggressive mentality, excellent tackling ability, and high football IQ make him an ideal candidate for all four core special teams units: kickoff coverage, punt coverage, kick return, and punt return. His willingness to close fast and deliver a physical hit is exactly what special teams coaches demand. If he proves to be an immediate contributor here, the Bears will find a roster spot for him.

Competition in the Bears' Secondary Depth

Burns joins a competitive safety room that includes starters like Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard. However, the depth behind them is where Burns can shine. The Bears signed two safeties as UDFAs, including Burns and Tysheem Johnson, indicating a clear focus on adding talent to the position. Burns’s ability to play in the box, cover tight ends, and blitz off the edge gives him a unique advantage over more one-dimensional players. The Bears' defensive scheme, which often utilizes hybrid safety-linebacker roles, is a perfect fit for his run-stopping prowess and downhill aggression.

The High Football IQ and Leadership Factor

Scouting reports consistently praise Burns's "high IQ" and "tremendous instincts". In the NFL, a smart player is a coachable player, and a high-IQ safety can quickly learn the playbook and adjust to the speed of the professional game. As an experienced leader from the SEC, Burns brings a level of maturity and confidence that often separates successful UDFAs from those who flame out. His "swagger and confidence" are intangible assets that could impress the coaching staff during training camp and the preseason.

Ultimately, Major Burns is a high-upside UDFA who possesses the physical tools and on-field production to justify a spot on an NFL roster. His surprising fall from a Day 3 projection to an Undrafted Free Agent will fuel his drive, making him one of the most compelling underdog stories to watch as the Chicago Bears head into the 2025 season.