Latest A to Z Sports 2025 NFL Mock Draft features Cardinals getting Kyler Murray a weapon that could return him to Pro Bowl form
We are just over one week away from the 2025 NFL Draft. The Arizona Cardinals have just six picks this year, three being within the top 100. In an upcoming season which the NFC West is wide open for the taking, they need to make them count. The Cardinals particularly need to hit on their […]
We are just over one week away from the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Arizona Cardinals have just six picks this year, three being within the top 100. In an upcoming season which the NFC West is wide open for the taking, they need to make them count.
The Cardinals particularly need to hit on their first-round selection at No. 16 overall. They should be able to land a prospect that can not only make an immediate impact, but be a key contributor over the next several years.
Our A to Z Sports draft guru Travis May recently released a first-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft, which features Arizona adding some firepower to its offense. Let's take a look at Travis' selection for the Cardinals and analyze it below.
No. 16: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
"The Cardinals have an elite tight end and solid WR1 in Marvin Harrison Jr., but after that things get rather ugly in the skill position department. Adding Luther Burden to the mix would give Kyler Murray a player who could add immense value on underneath targets while also being able to play any role the team asked him to fill thanks to his versatility. Some NFL Draft fans may wonder why Texas WR, Matthew Golden still hasn't left the board. It's simple. All four wide receivers selected ahead of him are better, more productive over a larger sample, and have a more balanced profile to offer than just peak athleticism." – Travis May
While the Cardinals also have needs within their offensive and defensive lines, taking a wide receiver the caliber of Burden may be too good to pass up. Burden possesses good 4.4 40-yard dash speed and is elite after the catch, forcing 30 missed tackles in 2024. His versatility allows him to be used all over the offensive formation, including out on the boundary, in the slot, or in the backfield.
Burden also has enough speed to create separation on downfield throws, and can make contested catches despite being a bit undersized at 6-foot and 206 pounds. He can contribute as a punt returner as well, as he averaged 12.6 yards per return in 2024 and took one for a touchdown. Some knocks on Burden are his attitude and work ethic issues, as well as the fact that a large chunk of his touches were manufactured.
There haven't been any visible examples of Burden having a poor work ethic or attitude, but perhaps it's been discussed among his former coaches and teammates. As far as manufactured touches go, finding a way to get the ball in the hands of a playmaker and letting him create is common coaching practice, especially at the NFL level.
