Luther Burden III, a wide receiver from the Missouri Tigers, is considered one of the top playmakers in the 2025 NFL Draft. In a recent mock draft by CBS Sports, Burden is projected to be paired with an All-Pro wideout. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 205 pounds, Burden has been a standout player throughout his college career, having signed with Missouri as one of the best recruits in the program’s history.
Burden’s college journey began with high expectations as he was ranked as the second-highest recruit in Missouri’s history. He was the No. 1 wide receiver and the No. 3 overall player in the 2022 recruiting class, according to 247Sports. From the beginning, it was clear that Burden was a dynamic playmaker who could score in multiple ways, making him a constant threat whenever he had the ball in his hands.
As a freshman, Burden made history by becoming the first player since 2008 to score two receiving touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and a punt-return touchdown in the same season. His impressive debut set the stage for what would become a remarkable college career. In 2023, Burden had a breakout sophomore season, posting 1,212 receiving yards on 86 catches, with nine touchdowns.
His performance earned him Second-Team All-America honors and First-Team All-SEC recognition. Missouri finished the season with an 11-2 record and came close to reaching the College Football Playoff.
Burden’s junior year in 2024 didn’t quite live up to his sophomore breakout, as the Tigers finished with a 10-3 record and missed out on the 12-team playoff. Despite this, Burden still had an impressive season, recording 61 catches for 676 yards and eight total touchdowns. His continued strong play earned him First-Team All-SEC honors for the second year in a row, further solidifying his reputation as one of the top wide receivers in college football.
NFL teams are expected to value Burden’s ability to score in a variety of ways, including his ability to contribute in the receiving game, as a rusher, and in special teams. His versatility makes him an attractive option for teams looking to add a dynamic weapon to their offense. Burden’s skills, combined with his physical attributes, have him on the radar of NFL franchises picking near the top of the 2025 NFL Draft.
According to CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to select Burden with the 19th overall pick in the upcoming draft. Edwards notes that Burden would be a valuable addition to the Buccaneers’ offense, even if wide receiver Chris Godwin were to depart. The Buccaneers already have a strong receiving corps, led by two-time All-Pro Mike Evans, who signed a two-year, $41 million contract in 2024. With a solid passing attack in 2024, the addition of Burden could help the Buccaneers continue their offensive success as they aim to make another playoff run. The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
