Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Luther Burden III NFL Draft Projection – Where Will the Tigers Wide Receiver Land?

Luther Burden III's NFL Draft Outlook

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Luther Burden III, a dynamic wide receiver for the Missouri Tigers, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in December 2024. A consensus five-star recruit walking out of East St. Louis Senior High School, Burden was regarded as one of the nation’s top five college players. He had over 40 scholarship offers but ultimately chose to commit to Missouri in 2022.

Burden’s sophomore year marked his breakout, recording 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns. He continued to impress as a senior, finishing with 61 receptions for 676 yards and 6 touchdowns. Burden’s performance earned him first-team All-SEC honors in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

🚨🚨SURPRISE🚨🚨

Missouri superstar wide receiver Luther Burden III was not drafted in the first round of the 2025 #NFL draft.

Burden was projected by most as a first round pick.

He is only 21 years old & was a 2z first-team All-SEC.

Another potential major steal in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/8TQyyTGc0w
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 25, 2025

In total, Burden played in 38 games during his three years at Missouri, recording 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 34 carries for 234 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. This record complements his position as a wide receiver and an offensive, versatile weapon.

Luther Burden III Draft Profile

Luther Burden III, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 206 pounds, has the bulk of a running back with the agility and skills of an elite wide receiver. His outstanding contact balance allows him to generate yards after first contact. 3

However, his route running remains a work in progress. Also, his production dipped in 2024, particularly on deep passes, and he struggles with concentration drops and fumbles. Regardless, a wide receiver of his potential is a significant upside as he transitions to the NFL.

Also Read: Is Abdul Carter Related To Jalen Carter? A Fact Check on the Relation Between Two Carters

Luther Burden III Draft Projection

Burden is most likely a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to Pro Football Network, the Tennessee Titans will select him because Burden as a wide receiver would be a potent combination with quarterback Cam Ward, who the Titans already selected as the first overall pick.

Burden is an ideal fit for generating yards after the catch, with his strong catch-point skills making him well-suited for the NFL. He is also projected to be selected by the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.