The Cleveland Browns have two selections early in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft because of the first-round blockbuster trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Many are anticipating the Browns will use the No. 33 pick on Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders, but the selection that belonged to the Jaguars (No. 36) is a bit more of a mystery. There are a variety of positions the Browns are in need of, but one of the most glaring holes on the roster is their receiving room.
Although wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and tight end David Njoku are solid weapons, there is an absolute steal yet to hear his name called.
Browns Predicted To Land WR Luther Burden III
Four wide receivers were picked in Round 1: Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Matthew Golden. There’s a serious case to be made that Missouri Tigers stud WR Luther Burden III should have gone ahead of Golden and even Egbuka.
Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department predicts the Browns to land Burden with the No. 36 pick via the Jaguars, which could end up as the steal of the entire draft. Alternatively, PFSN’s Rounds 2 and 3 mock draft sees Burden go to the Tennessee Titans at No. 35.
“The Titans met with Luther Burden III at the Combine and on a Top-30 visit, so there might be interest in adding him to their receiving room as a new weapon for Cam Ward. At 6’0″, 206 pounds, Burden can be Tennessee’s modern version of Chris Chambers alongside Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett,” PFSN’s Ian Cummings wrote.
In 2024, Burden recorded 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns. This was a significant drop-off from his sophomore season and is the greatest reason for his fall in the draft, as he finished the 2023 campaign with 86 receptions, 1,212 yards, and nine touchdowns.
PFSN’s Ian Cummings explained what makes Burden such an intriguing prospect before the draft, writing, “Luther Burden III is a slot receiver with an impressive combination of speed, power, and agility. His 2023 campaign showed that he’s more than capable of taking on a high workload. His natural playmaking skills make him dangerous in space, and he has ball skills to spare when allowed to stretch the field vertically.”
Burden is arguably the best yards-after-catch player in this class, consistently taking short-yardage throws for impressive touchdowns. However, he often struggles to create separation due to a lack of route-running skills.
If the Browns do end up selecting Sanders with the first selection in Round 2, there’s no better way to set him up for success than by adding a stud receiver like Burden just a few picks later.
