The Denver Broncos finally gave their fans something to cheer about in 2024. After years of disappointment, they finished the season 10-7 — their first double-digit win campaign since defeating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. After snapping their streak of eight consecutive years of missing the playoffs, fans have hope that things are turning around in Broncos Country, and much of that optimism stems from rookie quarterback Bo Nix.
In his first full NFL season, Nix showed flashes of becoming the franchise cornerstone Denver has been searching for since Peyton Manning retired. But if the Broncos want to take the next step, they’ll need to build a stronger supporting cast around him — especially at wide receiver.
Denver Broncos Projected To Draft Luther Burden III in 1st Round
Over 17 games, Nix threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 66.3% of his passes. His performance earned him a respectable PFSN QB+ rating of 74.8 (C), likely solidifying his spot as the team’s starter moving forward
With the 20th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Denver could be eyeing an explosive weapon for Nix. In PFSN’s latest mock draft, analyst Justin Lewis projects the Broncos to select dynamic Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III — a playmaker who could give Denver’s offense the spark it desperately needs.
“Luther Burden III has a knack for making huge plays in important moments, usually on slot fades and while flashing only one hand out to finish the catch,” Lewis wrote.
“The highs are incredibly high, but the lack of nuance as a route runner and the amount of volume he receives crossing the field or on screens compared to winning 1-on-1 matchups is alarming for his projection as a separator at the next level.
“Nevertheless, Burden’s natural fluidity, conspicuous explosiveness, and violent agility with the ball in his hands should realistically extend to his natural separation ability at the NFL level.”
Luther Burden III’s Advanced Analytics:
➖College Target Share: 80th Percentile
➖Separation Score: 94th Percentile
➖Breakout Age: 94th PercentileHe led the entire NATION in Missed Tackles Forced (30), Burden’s extremely problematic after the catch..
Future WR1 in the NFL pic.twitter.com/sueMnsJTFN
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) February 20, 2025
At 5’11”, Burden has an impressive combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability. His 21 career touchdowns at Missouri showcased his knack for finding the end zone, and his ability to create big plays could make him a game-changer in Denver’s offense. Paired with potential reinforcements in the backfield, the Broncos could be building a dynamic, well-rounded attack to elevate Nix’s game even further.
The Broncos know that surrounding Nix with elite talent is crucial for his development. Along with adding a reliable tight end, Denver is also focused on developing or acquiring a true No. 1 receiver to ease the pressure on their young quarterback.
With momentum building after their first winning season in years, landing a player like Burden could be exactly what Denver needs to push deeper into the playoffs while also helping Nix become the franchise star they believe he can be.