Why the Slide Series
This series was created a number of years ago in response to questions about why certain well-known prospects went unselected in NFL drafts. For these articles, I reach out to sources with NFL teams to find out why their organizations passed on drafting a given player and/or the reasons other teams passed on that prospect. The positive response to “Why Undrafted” and questions from readers about why prospects were drafted lower than the media’s expectations led us to create the parallel series “Why the Slide?”
Both series are back this year. Feel free to email me requests for Why the Slide? and Why Undrafted? at [email protected]. I can’t promise to get to all of them, but I will do my best and definitely will respond to the email.
The Expectations
For the vast majority of the 2025 NFL Draft process, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden was a consensus first-round pick. In 2023, Burden totaled 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, leading the Missouri offense. As a senior, the team sent more coverage his direction as Burden had 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. Despite the dip in production, Burden was considered to be a potential late first-round pick. Thus it was a surprise when Burden slid to the 39th pick in the draft.
The ‘Why’
In speaking to team sources, there were a few reasons why Burden slid. Multiple sources at different teams said character concerns. They said character and personality were a problem, and some compared Burden to George Pickens. One team’s director of college scouting texted, “He’s not a polished wide receiver… he’s a RAC (run after catch) guy.”
The Chicago Bears ended Burden’s fall in the second round, and that was an outstanding landing spot. Burden is a superb fit as a slot receiver in Ben Johnson’s offense, and Burden has the potential to be Johnson’s version of Amon-Ra St. Brown in Chicago. Burden landed in a good room of veteran receivers with leadership, and Antwaan Randle El is a very good receiver coach who could be capable of handling Burden’s personality and character. That being said, Burden will have to be patient and earn his targets as the Bears will also do plenty of featuring of veteran No. 1 receiver D.J. Moore, 2024 top 10 pick Rome Odunze, veteran tight end Cole Kmet, and tight end Colston Loveland, their 2025 top 10 pick. There is only one ball to go around, so Burden is going to have to avoid frustration if others are being featured more. If Burden can improve his route-running and become a focused professional, he has a great opportunity to have a good pro career with the Bears.
2026 NFL Mock Draft - May 6
NFL Power Rankings - March 28
NFL Picks - Feb. 9
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
