2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Missouri WR Luther Burden III

The 2025 NFL Draft is right around the corner, and we've got you covered with in-depth scouting reports on all of the top prospects at every position in this year's class.

Here's everything you need to know about Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III heading into the 2025 draft:

Vitals

Height: 5-11

Weight: 208

Age: 21

Strengths

A big-play machine, Burden is a dynamic presence when he gets the ball in space. He does his best work out of the slot, where he’s able to get the ball in his hands quickly and immediately put stress on opposing defenders. His explosiveness and short-area quickness jump off the screen, and he’s a danger to take any quick hitch or screen pass the distance. His well-built frame allows him to play through contact and pick up additional yards after the catch, and his versatility as an offensive weapon gives his offensive coaches limitless possibilities when it comes to scheming up creative ways for him to impact the game.

Weaknesses

Built more like a running back than a receiver, Burden’s lack of height and length don’t do him any favors when it comes to beating press-man coverage off the line of scrimmage, or boxing out opposing defenders at the catch point down the field. Coupled with his heavy slot usage over the past couple of seasons, this could raise questions about his ability to be a full-time starter on the outside at the next level. While he can make the acrobatic catch seem routine, Burden has dropped a handful of easy ones that will frustrate his NFL team if the issue persists.

Updated 2025 NFL Draft Rankings By Position

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | EDGE | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Final Analysis

There’s no denying Burden is an explosive playmaker who can take any touch and turn it into a long touchdown, but there are questions about his size, skill set, and alignment usage that could require a specific set of circumstances for him to reach his lofty potential at the next level. If all of those stars align, though, Burden has the talent to be a star.

GRADE: 1st Round