Luther Burden Projected To Be Paired With $41 Million Two-Time All-Pro WR

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Jan 19, 2025 8:54 PM ET

One of the top playmakers among NFL draft prospects, Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III is projected to join an All-Pro wideout in a new mock draft from CBS Sports.

Burden (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) did it all for the Tigers after signing as one of best prospects in program history. In fact, Burden was the second-highest rated recruit in Missouri history after signing as the No. 1 wideout and No. 3 player overall in the 2022 class (247Sports).

It seemed that Burden was a threat to score whenever he touched the ball. The East Saint Louis, Illinois, product became the first freshman to produce two receiving touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns and a punt-return touchdown in the same season since 2008.

Burden posted a career-year as a sophomore in 2023, racking up 1,212 receiving yards on 86 catches with nine touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-SEC honors. And Missouri finished 11-2 and just outside the College Football Playoff.

Burden wasn't at his best as a junior this season as the Tigers finished at 10-3 and outside of the 12-team playoff race. He recorded 61 catches for 676 yards with eight total touchdowns and still earned First-Team All-SEC honors for a second consecutive season.

Burden's ability to find the end zone in multiple facets will be a coveted skillset by NFL franchises at the top of 2025 NFL Draft. And according to CBS Sports' Josh Edwards, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to take Burden with the 19th overall pick.

"Luther Burden III would be a luxury even if Chris Godwin departs given the play of Jalen McMillan," Edwards wrote. "However, if offensive coordinator Liam Coen returns, then the offense is going to be relied upon to get them back to the playoffs next year."

As Tampa Bay evaluates its wide receiver room ahead of 2025, two-time All-Pro Mike Evans will be back after signing a two-year, $41 million deal in 2024.

Led by head coach Todd Bowles and quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers won the NFC South before losing to the Washington Commanders in the Wildcard Round of the playoffs.

Tampa Bay was one of the NFL's best in passing offense in 2024, and adding a talent like Burden could help keep that train rolling.

The pre-draft process still remains for Burden ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to be held from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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