Some draft experts have compared Burden’s playing style to that of Amon-Ra St. Brown or Deebo Samuel. Like St
Brown, Burden thrives on precise route running and dependable hands. Like Samuel, he can turn a short catch into a long gain thanks to his tackle-breaking ability and vision.
These comparisons help contextualize Burden’s value—not just as a receiver, but as a total offensive weapon.
Regardless of whether Luther Burden III hears his name called on Day 1 or Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, one thing is clear: he’s going to be a valuable contributor in the NFL.
His combination of technical skill, physical ability, and mental sharpness makes him a high-upside player with a potentially long and productive pro career ahead.
Teams looking for a wide receiver who can contribute immediately and grow into a foundational offensive piece would be wise to keep their eyes on Burden.
He’s not just another name in the draft class—he’s a playmaker waiting to explode onto the biggest stage in football.
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Table of Contents
Luther Burden III: Who Is He?
A Star on the Rise
In the world of college football, few wide receivers have captured the attention of scouts and analysts like Missouri Tigers’ standout Luther Burden III.1
After back-to-back impressive seasons, Burden’s name has been climbing draft boards. Yet, in a surprising twist, ESPN NFL analyst Matt Miller recently revealed that league buzz suggests Burden may not go in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Instead, he might land in the second round — a revelation that has sparked debate in NFL circles and among Missouri fans.
The Analyst’s Take: Matt Miller Weighs In
Matt Miller is no stranger to evaluating talent. As one of ESPN’s prominent NFL Draft analysts, his opinions are valued across the league.
In a recent ESPN article discussing the latest draft projections, Miller expressed his belief in Burden’s first-round caliber while acknowledging the growing whispers that he might slide into the second round.
“I’m going to continue to bang the table for Burden as a first-round talent,” Miller stated. “But the buzz around the league is he’ll likely be available in Round 2. If that’s the case, he should come off the board within the first few selections of Day 2.”
Miller’s comments underline a common disconnect between talent evaluation and draft-day outcomes.
While a player may show elite potential on tape, factors like positional value, team needs, or combine performances can influence where they’re selected.
Luther Burden III: Statistical Resume
A Tale of Two Seasons
Luther Burden’s college career provides plenty of evidence to support Miller’s high praise.2
In 2024, Burden recorded a solid season with 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns.
While those numbers don’t leap off the page, they reflect consistency and playmaking ability — especially considering he faced constant double teams and elite SEC defenses.
However, it was his 2023 season that truly put him on the map. Burden posted 86 catches for 1,212 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most dynamic offensive threats.
His combination of route-running, hands, and yards-after-catch ability made him nearly unstoppable at times.
First-Round Potential: What Sets Burden Apart
Despite the second-round projection, there’s no denying that Burden possesses many traits coveted in a first-round wideout.
His explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, smooth route transitions, and ability to turn short catches into big gains have drawn comparisons to some of the NFL’s top young receivers.
Additionally, Burden has shown he can perform under pressure, delivering big games in key moments. His football IQ, maturity, and work ethic also appeal to coaches who value dependable, coachable players.
The Draft Slide: Why Is Burden Projected to Drop?
So, why might a player with first-round talent fall into the second round? There are several potential factors. For starters, the 2025 draft class is expected to be deep at wide receiver, with several players competing for top spots.
It’s possible that Burden could be edged out by players with flashier combine numbers or those playing in more pass-heavy systems.
Injury concerns, team scheme fits, or even a lack of media hype compared to peers can all contribute to a draft slide.
Some scouts also question Burden’s top-end speed and whether it will translate to separation at the pro level, despite his strong college production.
What a Second-Round Selection Would Mean
Being drafted in the second round isn’t a bad outcome — many second-rounders go on to have excellent NFL careers. But for Burden, it may carry a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality.
Players like A.J. Brown, Michael Pittman Jr., and Deebo Samuel were second-round selections who became franchise cornerstones.
If Burden does fall to Day 2, he could land with a playoff-contending team that doesn’t have to rely on him immediately, giving him the opportunity to develop without the pressure of being a top-15 pick.
In that light, a second-round selection could be a blessing in disguise.
NFL Teams That Could Target Burden Early in Round 2
Should Burden still be on the board at the start of Day 2, several teams may jump at the chance to draft him.
Teams in need of a versatile playmaker — like the New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, or even the New York Giants — could see him as a steal.
These teams often prioritize polished receivers who can make an immediate impact, especially in the short-to-intermediate game. Burden fits that mold perfectly and could quickly become a go-to target in the right system.
Luther Burden III: Missouri Legacy in the Making
Beyond his draft projection, Burden has already solidified his place in Missouri Tigers history.3
His back-to-back standout seasons elevated the program and inspired future recruits to consider Mizzou as a viable launching pad to the NFL.
His performance helped Missouri earn national recognition during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, contributing to a culture shift under head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Burden’s impact on the program extends far beyond the stat sheet.
Comparing Burden to Recent Draftees
When comparing Burden to recent draft picks, his profile aligns well with players like Jahan Dotson and Elijah Moore — both known for their reliability, sharp route-running, and knack for finding space in the defense.
While not the biggest or fastest, their technical precision and competitiveness earned them early-round selections and immediate NFL roles.
If Burden can replicate their path, he’ll prove that draft position doesn’t define career trajectory — opportunity and preparation do.
Proving the Doubters Wrong: Burden’s Opportunity
- Draft season is filled with unpredictability. Players rise and fall on boards based on a mix of film, interviews, workouts, and buzz.
- For Burden, the best way to silence doubters is to keep working, refining his craft, and preparing for the next level.
- If history has shown us anything, it’s that prospects with something to prove often become stars.
- Burden’s combination of skill, hunger, and confidence could lead to a long and successful NFL career — regardless of whether his name is called on Day 1 or Day 2.
- Matt Miller’s projection of Luther Burden III as a potential second-round pick may surprise some, but it highlights how unpredictable the NFL Draft can be.
- Despite Burden’s undeniable talent, the draft process is as much about perception and timing as it is about production.
- Yet, if Burden is indeed selected in the second round, he may end up being one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NFL Draft.
- With his strong college resume, well-rounded skill set, and the drive to prove critics wrong, Luther Burden III is poised to make his mark at the next level — no matter when he hears his name called.
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Luther Burden III: Elite After-the-Catch Ability
One of Burden’s standout traits is his ability to gain yards after the catch (YAC).
In an era where playmaking wide receivers are more valuable than ever, Burden’s knack for breaking tackles and turning short passes into long gains makes him extremely appealing to NFL front offices.
Draft analyst Matt Miller pointed out:
“Burden has an excellent ability to pick up extra yards after the catch and has upside as an outside X receiver.”
This versatility means he’s not just a possession receiver—he’s a weapon. Whether it’s a quick slant, a bubble screen, or a go route down the sideline, Burden can turn any reception into a game-changing play.
A Technician as a Route Runner
While athleticism can get a receiver far, it’s the technical aspects of Burden’s game that separate him from others.
He is a polished route runner who uses subtle movements and deceptive footwork to create separation. This, combined with his acceleration and body control, allows him to shake defenders off the line and create throwing windows for his quarterback.
NFL scouts often praise prospects who can create their own space—and Burden does that consistently. His routes are crisp, and he’s shown an understanding of leverage and timing that mirrors NFL veterans.
Sticky Hands in Big Moments
Catching ability is often taken for granted until drops become a concern. That won’t be the case with Burden. He has reliable hands, rarely lets the ball hit the turf, and thrives in contested catch situations.
He displays strong concentration and body control when adjusting to passes, and he often makes acrobatic grabs along the sideline.
Quarterbacks at the next level will appreciate his catch radius and his ability to come down with the ball, even in tight coverage. Burden’s hands are one of the many reasons he’s viewed as a plug-and-play receiver for the NFL.
Inside and Outside Versatility
Another aspect that makes Burden unique is his positional flexibility. At Missouri, he was used in multiple alignments—lining up both in the slot and out wide.
This versatility will only increase his value at the next level. Offenses today rely on moving their playmakers around to create mismatches, and Burden’s skill set fits perfectly with that philosophy.
Whether a team wants him as a shifty slot receiver or as an outside vertical threat, Burden can fill either role. That kind of flexibility is a trait that often separates Day 1 picks from Day 2 selections.
Luther Burden III: 2025 NFL Draft
Round 1 or Round 2?
Although there’s significant buzz that Burden could be selected in the first round, recent reports suggest that he may slip into Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.
This isn’t necessarily a knock on his talent—it could be more reflective of the overall depth of the 2025 draft class at wide receiver.
Still, Burden has done enough to remain in first-round discussions. With strong pre-draft workouts, interviews, and potentially a big Senior Bowl or Combine showing, he could easily elevate his draft stock and secure a spot among the top 32 selections.
Team Fits: Who Could Draft Burden?
If Burden falls to the late first or early second round, there are several NFL teams that could be in play for his services. Here are a few intriguing fits:
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Kansas City Chiefs: Imagine adding Burden to an offense with Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have lacked a true WR1 since Tyreek Hill’s departure, and Burden could bring some of that dynamic energy back.
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Buffalo Bills: With Stefon Diggs now aging and Gabe Davis inconsistent, Buffalo could use a young receiver to keep Josh Allen’s offense humming.
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New Orleans Saints: A homecoming of sorts, given Missouri’s proximity to Louisiana, Burden could become a reliable target for Derek Carr or whoever is under center moving forward.
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Carolina Panthers: With a young quarterback in Bryce Young, the Panthers are in desperate need of explosive receiving options. Burden fits that bill.
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Burden’s Path to the League: Lessons in Growth
While many top-tier receivers dominate from Day 1, Burden’s story is also one of growth. He started his college career with raw talent, but he has steadily matured into a complete receiver.
His route running has improved every season, and he’s become more comfortable with the physical nature of the college game.
His mental development—understanding coverages, reading defenses, and knowing when to adjust routes—will serve him well in the pros. NFL coaching staffs love players who are coachable, and Burden has proven to be just that.
Scouting Report Summary
Here’s a quick breakdown of what NFL teams see in Luther Burden III:
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Height/Weight: Approximately 5’11”, 205 lbs
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Strengths:
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Strong YAC ability
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Sharp route running
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Excellent hands
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Positional versatility
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High football IQ
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Areas for Improvement:
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Top-end speed is solid but not elite
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Needs to consistently win against press coverage
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Overall, Burden grades out as a well-rounded receiver who could make an immediate impact in a wide-open NFL offense.
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