Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, one of the top wide receiving prospects in college football, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Monday.
In a statement posted to social media, Burden thanked Missouri, his teammates and coach Eli Drinkwitz for his three years in Columbia.
“While this decision is a step toward my professional future, it is by no means the end of my relationship with Mizzou,” said Burden, a St. Louis native. “I will always carry a piece of this university with me, and I will continue to represent Mizzou with pride as I pursue my dreams.”
Burden caught 192 passes for 2,263 yards and 21 touchdowns over three seasons. His best year came in 2023, when he hauled in 86 passes for 1,212 yards on a Missouri team that went 11-2 and beat Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
He led Missouri with 61 receptions and finished second with 676 receiving yards in 2024.
The 5-foot-11, 210-pound receiver projects as one of the top players in the 2025 draft class. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked Burden 10th on his big board last month.
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Scouting report on Burden
It was hardly a stellar 2024 for Burden after a breakout sophomore campaign at Missouri, though plenty of that had to do with more inconsistent quarterback play. It’s at least somewhat concerning Burden wasn’t able to have more of an impact in spite of the offensive regression around him. Still, Burden’s traits and athleticism are more than enough for teams to bet high on in 2025.
Burden has some Deebo Samuel in his game as a powerful, explosive runner with an extra gear and enough contact balance to be a terror in the open field. His ability to win in the air despite his size is also impressive, as he finished his three years at Missouri credited with 22 contested catches, per Pro Football Focus. In the right situation, he’s an explosive play waiting to happen, and he will be one of the top offensive playmakers on many NFL boards this season.
Burden is a first-round talent for 2025, possibly a top-15 selection given the right fit. — Nick Baumgardner, NFL Draft writer
(Photo: Jason Clark / Getty Images)
