2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Luther Burden III

Prospect Summary:

In 2023, Missouri was one of the best teams in the SEC, and they featured a roster with NFL talent on both sides of the ball. On the offense, their difference maker was Burden, who produced a phenomenal season for the Tigers. Burden totaled 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. As a freshman, he flashed with 45 catches for 375 yards and six scores. He also ran the ball somewhat that season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry for 375 yards and scoring two touchdowns on the ground. In 2024, Burden had 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. He saw a lot of extra attention from defenses in the SEC.

For the NFL, Burden is a dynamic receiver who will be a real weapon in the passing game. He is an awesome separator, and cornerbacks really struggle to run with him. Burden is explosive off the line, and his play speed is phenomenal. He is fast through the route with twitchy athleticism to shake corners when he cuts and then accelerate away from them to get open for his quarterback. Burden has serious speed and can challenge defenses vertically. Burden’s route-running is exceptional, and when you add that with his speed and athleticism, he is a nightmare in coverage.

After the catch, Burden is special. He is a very shifty runner who is extremely elusive in the open field. Burden will juke defenders and make even athletic defenders look bad in the open field. Burden has the speed to run away from the defense and a second gear to accelerate when he gets the ball in his hands. Along with being quick, he has a strong running back build with the power to bounce off defensive backs trying to tackle him.

On top of being fast and athletic, Burden is a polished receiver. His ball skills are superb as he goes up with late hands to keep defensive backs unaware on 50-50 passes. Along with putting up his hands late, Burden has very strong hands capable of ripping the ball down and maintaining the catch after getting slapped. Burden is not tall, but he has a strong build and uses it well to gain better position on contested catches.

Burden could be a very good starting receiver. He might be ideal as a No. 2 receiver to pair with a true No. 1.