With the 2025 NFL Draft fast approaching, Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III is now projected to fall to the second round, with NFL Draft expert Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports placing him at No. 34 overall for the Tennessee Titans.
Easterling acknowledged Burden’s explosive playmaking ability, noting, “There’s no denying he can transform any catch into a long touchdown. However, questions about his size, skill set, and alignment usage suggest that certain conditions must be met for him to fully tap into his potential.”
Earlier in the season, projections had Burden as a top-10 pick, with some even placing him 9th overall for the New Orleans Saints. Yet, his numbers have taken a downturn. Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz remains confident in Burden’s talent, stating, “For a rebuilding program yet to reach the NFL playoffs, this guy has already proven himself at the University of Missouri.”
Burden’s 2023 campaign was impressive, as he amassed 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, making him one of the most promising receivers returning to college football. However, the following season was marred by a struggling offensive line and injuries to quarterback Brady Cook, resulting in a drop to 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 2024. This decline has been a key factor in the reduction of his draft stock.
Despite the recent setback, Drinkwitz urged NFL coaches to look beyond the statistics. “Don’t be misled by the numbers,” he stressed. “A thorough evaluation shows no true decline in his ability.” Once considered a top-15 prospect, Burden has now slid to the lower end of the first round, according to nflmoc projections.
As the draft nears, the debate continues over whether the drop in Burden’s numbers accurately reflects his talent or if his proven potential will eventually reassert itself in the NFL.
