Luther Burden III, WR

Measurables

Height: 6’0

Weight: 206 lbs

Classification: Junior 

School: Missouri

Testing Numbers

Arm: 31 1/4

Hand: 8 1/2

40: 4.41s

Broad: N/A

Vert: N/A

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Prospect Background:

Home isn’t where you’re from, it’s where you find light when all grows dark. This sentiment couldn’t ring more true for Luther Burden III.

It wasn’t easy for Burden, growing up in an environment filled with all the wrong things, Burden made it his purpose to write a story St. Louis has never seen. 

Burden began playing football at the age of eight, initially starting as a running back. However, Burden suffered a dislocated elbow in the 5th grade which contributed to his move from RB to WR. 

Burden began his high school tenure at Ritter College Prep, scoring 15 touchdowns, for 1,200 yards and being selected as a freshman All-American. Burden spent two seasons here, also like his father, playing basketball where he averaged 18 points per game. Following his sophomore season, Burden’s father transferred him to an out-of-state high school in the hopes of putting his son in a better environment. 

With the move to East St. Louis (Illinois), Burden instantly was named the top prospect in the state of Illinois. In two seasons as a Flyer, the decision to transfer Burden produced 102 receptions, 2069 yards, and 27 touchdowns. This while being named to the 2021 Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 6A all-state team and leading East St. Louis to the Illinois Class 6A State Championship game, falling short of the title by one point. 

Burden committed to Missouri, becoming just the third consensus five-star prospect to come to Columbia. Here, he became just the 7th player in program history to record a rushing TD, receiving TD, and punt return TD in the same season.

Burden finished seventh in program history in receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and tied for fifth in receiving touchdowns.

“It was the best decision of my life because I really found a home outside of St. Louis. This is like my real home,” Burden said.

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Stats:

Freshman

• Receptions: 46
• Targets: 75
• Yards: 398
• TDs: 6

Sophomore:

• Receptions: 86
• Targets: 120
• Yards: 1209
• TDs: 9

Junior:

• Receptions: 61
• Targets: 81
• Yards: 676
• TDs: 6

Alignment/Number of Snaps

Slot:

• 2022: 44
• 2023: 316
• 2024: 261

Outside:

• 2022: 289
• 2023: 55
• 2024: 36

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Prospect Overview:

Luther Burden III and his skillset represent a direct correlation of the direction NFL offenses have trended. Burden’s ability out in space is a sight to behold and has been since the day he stepped foot in Columbia.

He became the first freshman to record two receiving touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, and a punt-return TD in the same season since 2008.

His vision, ability to stop and start at the drop of a dime, and his compact frame are often on display during YAC opportunities.  Burden led the nation with 30 forced missed tackles in ‘24 much in part to his strong contact balance both as a route runner and ball carrier. Possessing an almost running back-esque build at the wide receiver position, Burden makes tackling him a group activity. 

Burden was deployed in a multitude of alignments, as the Tigers found creative ways to get him the ball. Burden excelled in the short area in 2024, as 37% of his target came between 0-9 yards; though one can question how much of this was due in part to QB play.  

This, however, left room for growth in terms of route running for Burden, who wasn’t awarded the most diverse route tree. He was able to get most of his work done on quick outs, screens, hitches, jet sweeps, and motion flat routes. Burden however showed flashes of being able to produce at the intermediate level, specifically on deep crossers and corner posts (see Florida ‘23).

Despite his volume usage as an underneath target, it’s hard not to be intrigued by what Burden is/can be as a down-the-field threat. He shows a great ability to track the football in the air. While he isn’t the best in terms of contested catch ability, he’s proven he can go make plays on the football in these situations. He has made the slot fade his bread and butter, with how successful he has been on this route throughout his tenure (see Texas A&M ‘24 & South Carolina ‘24)

The most important factor to consider when evaluating Burden is, how much of what you’ve put on tape is just what you’ve been asked to do? And how much of it is just what you’re capable of? There’s a perception that Burden, who was predominantly used in the slot has found a permanent home there. 

This isn’t to say Burden can’t produce on the outside, but he has a few questions to answer before teams should feel comfortable with him in this role. 

Will you commit to routes when you know you aren’t getting the ball? Can your hands be consistent, with 14 career drops (7 during his freshman year and 7 over the last two seasons)?.

Then most notably, can you win vs press coverage?

Despite Burden showcasing a creative release package that often allows him to dictate his destination, Missouri often did a good job of allowing him free releases with motions and stacks. However, there are a few reps where he did get press coverage, and it impacted him.

In terms of blocking, Burden is more than willing, though he usually doesn’t hold up in this area. At the next level, Burden projects as a high-end number 2, who can take the pressure off those around him with manufactured touches that result in high-end production. This should allow a team to ease him into the offense as he continues to make strides in the necessary areas to become a reliable three-level option.