Luther Burden III’s five-star pedigree remains all too clear, and it’s what makes him a potentially extraordinary offensive weapon. While he didn’t find any suitors on Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Missouri standout is poised to be picked early on Day 2.
With plenty of teams lacking receiving options, we look at the top landing spots for Burden heading into Day 2.
Top Potential Landing Spots For Luther Burden III
A slot receiver with impressive combination of power and agility, Burden’s 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.
So, where could he end up heading into Night 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let’s take a look.
New Orleans Saints
While the Saints have a solid wide receiver setup in Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but could use one more reliable target in the passing game to elevate their offense.
Burden’s production dropped in 2024 compared to his All-American 2023 season, but the tools are still there as the 21-year-old is elite after the catch with ball-carrier vision, contact balance, and lateral quickness. He would serve as a reliable target for any of the QBs, given New Orleans’ uncertainty at the position for now.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns passed on Shedeur Sanders twice in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and with QB still being one of their needs, they might draft him in the second round.
However, they need a reliable receiver for him in addition to Jerry Jeudy, and could select Burden with the second-round pick they received via trade from the Jaguars.
Tennesee Titans
Titans stayed put at No. 1 overall, drafting Miami QB Cam Ward on Thursday night, and could now pair him with Burden in the second.
Burden is an incredible RAC weapon with the catch-point skills to capitalize on Ward’s tight-window opportunities, and would form an explosive receiving trio with Tyler Lockett and Calvin Ridley.
According to his scout report, “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.”
