Get ready for the 2025 NFL Draft with our spotlight on Luther Burden III. Get the breakdown on his strengths and weaknesses in our scouting report, understand his potential with our draft profile, and see where experts predict he’ll land.
Luther Burden III’s NFL Draft Scouting Report
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.
As a route runner, Burden has shown progress but still needs additional development. Granted, part of that comes down to the way he was used in college, but his route salesmanship still needs some work.
Burden should end up being an instant starting wide receiver at the NFL level. He has some inside-outside versatility with the ability to thrive on jet sweeps and end-arounds, and his YAC ability is arguably the best of any wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Looking for more analysis on prospects? Here’s our wide receiver scouting reports for the 2025 NFL Draft and all other positions.
Luther Burden III’s Latest NFL Draft Projection
PFSN’s Ian Cummings projects that Burden will be picked No. 47 overall by the Tennessee Titans in his latest seven-round mock draft.
“Luther Burden III may end up sliding a bit because of his uncertain projection, but he’s an incredible RAC weapon with the catch-point skills to capitalize on Cam Ward’s tight-window opportunities,” Cummings wrote.
Ready to have some fun? Jump into our free NFL Mock Draft Simulator and follow along during the NFL Draft. The simulator will be updated in real-time, allowing you to finish the rest of the draft based on the results.
Luther Burden III’s NFL Draft Profile and Measurements
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 206 pounds
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Missouri
- Arm: 3128
- Wingspan: 7648
Where Does Luther Burden III Rank Among 2025’s WR Prospects?
Here are the top 10 WR rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, according to PFSN Draft Analyst Ian Cummings:
10. Kyle Williams, Washington State
9. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State
8. Tre Harris, Ole Miss
7. Jaylin Noel, Iowa State
6. Luther Burden III, Missouri
5. Jalen Royals, Utah State
4. Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona
3. Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
2. Matthew Golden, Texas
1. Travis Hunter, Colorado
Luther Burden III didn’t meet expectations in 2024. That much is okay to admit. He still has plenty of room to grow, particularly as a route runner. But Burden’s five-star pedigree remains all too clear, and it’s what makes him a potentially extraordinary offensive weapon.
At 6’0″, 206 pounds, Burden differentiates himself with his hyper-elite explosive athleticism, twitch, and frame density. His blend of dynamic mobility and contact balance makes him a menace after the catch, and there are flashes of soft skills as a pass-catcher.
Burden still has room to implement more variance as a release artist and separator, but he’s a weapon when schemed touches, and he’s tough-as-nails when vying for difficult receptions. A two-level playmaker, Burden only stands to benefit from NFL support.
Want more rankings? Here’s our NFL Draft Big Board for this year’s draft class. You can also make your own with the PFSN Big Board Builder.
Luther Burden III’s College Stats
Career:
- Receptions: 192
- Receiving Yards: 2,263
- Receiving Touchdowns: 21
- Yards Per Reception: 11.8
2024:
- Receptions: 61
- Receiving Yards: 676
- Receiving Touchdowns: 6
- Yards Per Reception: 11.1