One of the most talented prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is consistently falling out of the first round in recent mocks

Just a couple of months ago, Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III was considered a surefire first-round pick. Not only that, but many projected him to be a top-10 pick. However, many recent mock drafts from across multiple platforms have had Burden falling completely out of the first round. That includes The Athletic's Dane Brugler, […]

Nick Roesch — NFL Trending News Writer
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Missouri Tigers WR Luther Burden III
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Just a couple of months ago, Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III was considered a surefire first-round pick.

Not only that, but many projected him to be a top-10 pick. However, many recent mock drafts from across multiple platforms have had Burden falling completely out of the first round.

That includes The Athletic's Dane Brugler, NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah, as well as ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. Jordan Reid. They surely all have their reasons via the various connections that they have, but the only concrete thing there is to go off of is Burden's production dip between 2023 and 2024. 

Let's take a quick look at those statistics. 

2023

  • 86 receptions
  • 1,212 receiving yards
  • 9 touchdowns
  • 31 rushing yards

2024

  • 61 receptions
  • 686 yards
  • 6 touchdowns
  • 115 rushing yards
  • 2 rushing touchdowns

Other than his rushing totals, those are pretty significant declines. There are some legitimate excuses to make for those stat reductions, such as Missouri's issues at quarterback and coach Eli Drinkwitz's inconsistent usage of Burden. Another knock against him is that he his route running could use some refinement. 

Burden acknowledged his decrease in numbers while at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, and attributed some of it to defenses putting emphasis on taking him away.

"I feel like the opportunities I was given, I just tried to make my opportunities count when I was given the ball this year," Burden said. "Obviously, there’s a lot more sophomore year. I feel like I’m pretty much a gameplan for every team I face, so I mean, it’s not going to be easy getting me the ball. I knew that going into the games, so I was already aware."

Despite that, the good very much still outweighs the bad when it comes to Burden's game. He 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 other 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.

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