Luther Burden III WR Missouri | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Luther Burden III WR Missouri
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Multi-Role Receiver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 05/20/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.41 seconds (81%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Multi-Role Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 05/20/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.41 seconds (81%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 90.0 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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77% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 109.3 | |
| Hands: |
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82% |
| Short Receiving: |
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88% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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96% |
| Deep Threat: |
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94% |
| Blocking: |
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61% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
1st - Top 10
Overall Rank:
#10
Position rank:
#1
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| College Games: 25 College Snaps: 1149 | ||
ESPN RATING: 92/100
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247 RATING: 98/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.1 (100%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Chris Olave - Ohio State |
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86% |
| Jordan Addison - USC |
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81% |
| Jahan Dotson - Penn State |
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80% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Luther Burden III hails from East St. Louis, Illinois, where he was a 5-star recruit out of East St. Louis High School. Burden's high school accolades include being named the MaxPreps Player of the Year and Rivals Illinois High School Player of the Year. He was a standout, recording 71 receptions for 1,174 yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior season. His commitment to Missouri was a significant recruitment victory, beating out powerhouse programs such as Alabama, LSU, and Ohio State.
In his freshman year at Missouri (2022), Burden played in 13 games, starting 10, and caught 40 passes for 346 yards and 6 touchdowns. He showcased his versatility by also rushing for 88 yards and 2 touchdowns, and returning a punt for a touchdown. Burden's performance earned him SEC Freshman of the Week honors and established him as a multi-faceted threat.
Burden's sophomore season in 2023 saw an impressive leap in productivity. He recorded 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and 9 touchdowns, ranking second in the SEC and ninth nationally in receiving yards. His accomplishments earned him First-Team All-SEC and Second-Team All-America honors, as well as being a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Burden has exceptional body control, making difficult catches and excelling on back-shoulder throws.
- His after-the-catch ability is elite, with 725 yards after the catch in 2023, showcasing his explosiveness and agility.
- Burden has strong hands, dropping just 4 of 94 catchable targets in his sophomore season.
- His vision and stop-start ability make him a dynamic playmaker in space and a potential return specialist.
- He has a quick first step and reaches top speed rapidly, creating separation from defenders.
- Burden is a physical runner who can break tackles and gain yards after contact.
- He is versatile, capable of playing multiple wide receiver positions in a spread offense.
- His competitiveness and knack for high-pointing the ball allow him to excel in contested situations.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Burden's route-running needs refinement to reach elite NFL standards.
- He occasionally lets deep throws into his pads, leading to missed catches.
- His run-blocking ability is underdeveloped, limiting his effectiveness in certain schemes.
- Burden does not consistently overwhelm defenders with pure speed or athleticism.
- There are questions about his ability to handle physical NFL cornerbacks.
Scouting Report: Summary
Luther Burden III is a dynamic wide receiver prospect who has proven himself as a top playmaker at Missouri. His ability to make plays after the catch and his versatility make him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking to bolster their receiving corps.
While he has some areas to improve, particularly in route-running and run-blocking, Burden's physicality, vision, and hands set him apart from his peers. His potential as a return specialist adds to his appeal, making him a well-rounded prospect.
Burden is projected to be a high draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his performance in the 2024 college football season will be closely watched. With continued development, he has the potential to become a top player at the next level.
Written By:
Wyatt Brooks (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Luther Burden III (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.