Luther Burden III WR Missouri: Scouting Report

Height: 5’11

Weight: 205

Overall

Luther Burden III is an explosive playmaker in Missouri’s balanced offense. In his 3 seasons with the Tigers, he played in 38 games with 35 starts. He had elite production during the 2023 season but took a dip this past year due to injuries on the offense and inconsistent quarterback play. Even with a step down in his numbers, he has the talent and athleticism to be an immediate big playmaker in the NFL.

Pass Game

Burden lined up primarily in the slot on film and a majority of his routes were hitches, quick out routes, and fade balls down the sideline. He has quick feet off the line of scrimmage and a blend of change of direction and acceleration to create separation in his routes. He has elite speed that can take the top off of defenses but was used on short routes often on film to get the ball in his hands and allow him to make plays after the catch. He has good hands and does a good job of adjusting his body to make difficult catches deep down the field. Once the ball is in his hands, he is an elite playmaker and can make defenders miss in space. He has the balance and footwork to stop on a dime then accelerate up the field. He is incredibly shifty and very hard to bring down. At times, he will completely change course and try to run to the opposite side of the field to make a play resulting in lost yardage but his want to make big plays after the catch should not be considered a negative.

Run Game

WIth his ability to make defenders miss with the ball in his hands, he was used often as a designed runner on jet sweeps and screens on film. As a runner he continues to make plays and he has the explosiveness to be used all over the field at the next level. As a blocker in space, he has some struggles due to his lack of size against bigger corners but he often shows good effort when blocking down the field.

Last Word

Burden projects best as a slot receiver in a pass heavy offense. He thrives with the ball in his hands and if he can go to a scheme that will create plays just for him, he can have elite production in the pros. While he does not have the size to be a number 1 outside receiver, his speed and playmaking ability can make him a match-up nightmare for opposing teams. With his quickness on short routes and his reliable hands, he can be a consistent chain mover on 3rd downs as well.

One-Liner: Although Luther Burden III had a dip in production this past season, he has the explosiveness and playmaking ability to be an immediate game-changer in the NFL

Grade: 6.7 (Solid Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2024 - Texas A&M, Boston College, South Carolina

Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers