Coming off of a 2023 season that saw him earn a second-team AP All-American honor, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III has high expectations entering this season. And so far, he appears to have lived up to the hype, at least in recent weeks.
Let’s take a look at Burden’s performance this season, his projected landing spot in our latest mock draft, player comparisons, and more.
Where Did Burden Land in Our Most Recent NFL Mock Draft?
In Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings’ latest seven-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Burden was selected as the No. 6 overall pick by the Denver Broncos.
Here is what Cummings had to say about Burden landing in Denver:
“Defenses are clearly ambivalent about Bo Nix’s ability to pass downfield. The Broncos need to put more stress on secondaries, and Luther Burden III‘s combined RAC and vertical ability can help with that. He’s an electric player with the ball in his hands.”
Burden’s Best Landing Spots in the NFL
Wide receivers are in high demand in this era of the NFL. In fact, Burden is one of three players at the wide receiver position projected to be selected in the top 10 of next year’s draft, according to Cummings, along with Colorado’s Travis Hunter (No. 3) and Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan (No. 8).
Here are three potential landing spots for Burden in the NFL Draft:
Denver Broncos
At 4-3, the Broncos have surprised many early this season, especially with a rookie (Nix) as their starting quarterback. But the wide receiver position is definitely weak.
Denver’s leading wide receiver, Courtland Sutton, ranks outside the top 50 in receptions (17) and has a catch percentage well under 50% this season (41.5%). This is a position where the Broncos need an upgrade.
Luther Burden back shoulder goodness pic.twitter.com/QdLRbWQijn
— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) October 11, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers
At 5-2, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not currently projected to draft in the top 10 of the 2025 NFL Draft, but that doesn’t preclude them from having a need at receiver and working something out to get themselves in a position to select Burden.
George Pickens has taken strides each game this season and has produced as a true WR1. Outside of Pickens however, no other wide receiver even has 12 receptions, and only three of Pittsburgh’s seven touchdown passes have gone to a wide receiver.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have let Drake Maye loose, and all he did was throw for over 500 yards and five touchdowns in his first two games, a mark only equaled by Dan Marino. Despite the production, it is evident that the Patriots need more receiving options.
Hunter Henry, New England’s tight end, leads the team in receptions (27) and yards (313). DeMario Douglas leads the receivers with just 26 catches for 259 yards. No other pass catcher has more than 140 yards.
Burden’s Scouting Report
Here are some highlights of Cummings’ scouting report on Burden:
“Past his measurements, Burden is as dynamic as they come. He’s a hyper-elite explosive threat with game-breaking short-area twitch and agility, and his energized motion allows him to create space and recalibrate at a moment’s notice.
“With his combined speed, explosiveness, agility and twitch, play strength, and contact balance, Burden is a devastating RAC threat. He also has the sturdy hands and body control to corral high-difficulty attempts and convert on chances time and time again.”
Luther Burden III’s 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdown
While Burden’s Tigers suffered their first loss of the season in Week 6 at the hands of Texas A&M, his numbers in that game and over Missouri’s last three weeks have been solid. Burden had a season-high seven receptions against the Aggies, finishing with 82 yards receiving.
Here is how Burden has performed through the first five games of the 2024 season:
Receptions: 37
Receiving Yards: 447
Yards per Reception: 12.1
Touchdown Receptions: 4
Rushing Yards: 90
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Burden’s numbers against Texas A&M could have been even more impressive if not for a penalty. Late in the first quarter, Burden caught what appeared to be a 75-yard touchdown pass that would have brought the Tigers right back in the game against the Aggies. However, a penalty for an ineligible receiver downfield wiped out that score.
Burden has caught at least three balls in every game this season and has five or more in five of seven games.
When Is Burden Playing Next?
Burden and the No. 21 Missouri Tigers will face off against the No. 15 Alabama Crimson Tide on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 3:30 PM ET.
Burdon and Co. will try to improve to 6-1 on the season.