Luther Burden III NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report For Missouri WR
One of the most electrifying players in college football this last year was Luther Burden III out of Missouri. Today, we’ll be breaking down his 2025 NFL Draft outlook in this scouting report. More importantly, we’ll be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and potential NFL Draft round grade. Continue reading to learn more about this talented WR prospect.
Luther Burden III NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report
Missouri’s Luther Burden III is an explosive playmaker with elite quickness, physicality, and versatility. Dangerous after the catch, he turns routine plays into big gains. With natural hands and deep-ball tracking, he’s a dynamic weapon poised for an immediate NFL impact.
Furthermore, Burden is one of the most electric playmakers in college football, showcasing a rare blend of explosiveness, physicality, and versatility. A dynamic weapon in the Missouri offense, Burden thrives with the ball in his hands, turning routine plays into big gains with his elite short-area quickness and contact balance. His ability to generate yards after the catch, combined with natural hands and deep-ball tracking skills, makes him a nightmare for defenders. As he transitions to the next level, his skill set presents an intriguing combination of instant impact and long-term upside.
Strengths
- Elite Playmaker in Space: Exceptional run-after-catch ability, forces missed tackles with burst, agility, and strength.
- Separation & Quickness: Explosive first step, twitchy change-of-direction skills, and elite short-area movement.
- Strong Hands & Ball Skills: Natural hands catcher with the ability to pluck the ball away from his frame and track deep throws well.
- Physical & Tough: Compact, powerful frame, excellent contact balance, breaks tackles, and plays bigger than his height.
- Punt Return Ability: Special teams value with natural instincts, vision, and acceleration.
- Versatility: Can line up in multiple spots but has primarily dominated from the slot.
- Competitiveness: Shows physicality as a blocker and has a “dog mentality” that teammates rally around.
Areas for Improvement
- Handling Press Coverage: Lack of exposure to physical corners; will need refinement to beat press consistently.
- Route Running Development: Needs to improve route details, particularly in timing-based intermediate patterns and creating separation against top-tier defenders.
- Top-End Speed: Very good but not elite; may struggle to consistently stack defenders vertically.
- Focus Drops: Occasional lapses in concentration, especially over the middle of the field.
- Blocking Effort: Can be more consistent in sustaining blocks and aiding in the run game.
Conclusion
While Burden’s playmaking ability is undeniable, his development as a route runner and ability to consistently beat press coverage will be key to unlocking his full potential in the NFL. Primarily used in the slot, he may need time to refine his game against top-tier competition, but his talent, toughness, and versatility make him a valuable asset to any offense. Whether as a go-to target in the passing game or a dynamic weapon on special teams, Burden has the tools to be a difference-maker at the next level.
Round Grade: Round 2
Stats: Per Sports Reference
| Season | Team | G | Rec | Yds | Y/R | TD | Att | Yds | TD |
| 2022* | Missouri | 13 | 45 | 375 | 8.3 | 6 | 18 | 88 | 2 |
| 2023* | Missouri | 13 | 86 | 1212 | 14.1 | 9 | 7 | 31 | 0 |
| 2024* | Missouri | 12 | 61 | 676 | 11.1 | 6 | 9 | 115 | 2 |
| Career | 38 | 192 | 2263 | 11.8 | 21 | 34 | 234 | 4 |
Trending Now
Top 10 Rookie Tight Ends for 2025
