Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III is emerging as one of the top playmakers in the upcoming NFL Draft, with a new mock draft from CBS Sports projecting him to join an All-Pro wide receiver on the same roster. At 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, Burden was a standout for Missouri, making an immediate impact after being recruited as one of the program’s top prospects. He was the second-highest ranked recruit in Missouri history, coming in as the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 3 overall player in the 2022 class according to 247Sports. Known for his explosiveness, Burden seemed like a constant threat to score whenever the ball was in his hands.
In his freshman year, Burden made history by becoming the first player since 2008 to score two receiving touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and a punt-return touchdown in a single season. His sophomore year was even more impressive, as he earned Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-SEC honors after posting 1,212 receiving yards on 86 catches, along with nine touchdowns. His efforts helped lead Missouri to an 11-2 record and just outside the College Football Playoff. While his junior season was not as stellar, he still finished with 61 catches for 676 yards and eight touchdowns, earning First-Team All-SEC honors once again.
Luther Burden III Burden’s versatility and ability to score in various ways have made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, and his skills are expected to be highly coveted in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are projected to select Burden with the 19th overall pick. Edwards suggests that Burden could be a valuable addition to the Buccaneers, even if wide receiver Chris Godwin departs, particularly with the strong performances of Jalen McMillan. With offensive coordinator Liam Coen potentially returning, the Buccaneers may rely on an explosive offense to make another playoff push next season.
Tampa Bay’s wide receiver room is set to feature two-time All-Pro Mike Evans, who signed a two-year, $41 million contract in 2024. Under head coach Todd Bowles and quarterback Baker Mayfield, the Buccaneers secured the NFC South title but were eliminated in the Wildcard Round by the Washington Commanders. Tampa Bay’s passing offense was one of the league’s best in 2024, and adding a talent like Burden could help maintain that momentum as they continue to build for the future.
Burden still has a crucial pre-draft process ahead of him, with the 2025 NFL Draft set to take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. As he prepares for the next step in his football journey, many are excited to see where the dynamic playmaker lands in the draft.
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