2025 Cowboys draft scouting report: Missouri WR Luther Burden III

Some of the hyped receiver prospects within the nation, Luther Burden was a 5-star recruit out of East Saint Louis, Illinois. He picked the Mizzou Tigers over gives from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and different blue bloods. Ranked because the second finest highschool receiver within the nation and the 14th general prospect, Burden arrived in Columbia with sky excessive expectations.

Title: Luther Burden IIIPosition: WRHeight: 5’11”Weight: 205 kilos

Luther Burden Faculty Stats, courtesy of Sports activities Reference

For essentially the most half, Burden lived as much as them too. Taking part in as a real freshman, he led the staff in landing receptions and completed second in catches, instantly cementing himself as a dependable choice within the passing sport. Burden exploded in 2023, racking up 1,200+ yards by the air and ending seventh within the nation in yards per route run.

Burden’s numbers regressed in 2024, however that coincided with a decidedly extra run-heavy offense for the Tigers. Nonetheless, Burden continued to point out off his spectacular means after the catch and now enters the draft as one of many prime receivers in his class. Burden may very nicely be a prime goal for the Cowboys as they give the impression of being to improve Dak Prescott’s weapons.

Route Operating: Burden’s route tree was restricted this previous season, however the 2023 season reveals he can run any route within the route tree. He may perhaps be a bit extra fluid in his actions, however Burden constantly managed to create separation in any respect three ranges yearly as a Tiger.

Arms

Burden’s palms improved enormously over his three-year profession. He went from having seven drops as a real freshman to 4 as a sophomore and simply three in 2024. His tape this previous yr reveals nice technical means in being fast together with his palms, permitting him to regulate sooner to balls and never give something away to his defender when taking part in in section.

Playmaking Capacity

Burden didn’t see a lot work as a deep risk receiver this previous yr, however his 2023 season was unimaginable. Burden generated 415 yards and 4 scores off passes greater than 20 yards downfield and posted a 119.1 passer score. He demonstrated an distinctive means at monitoring the deep ball and timing his leap proper to sky to the catch level.

Launch

Burden primarily performed within the slot the final two years, which allowed him loads of clear releases, however he’s demonstrated a capability to work off of press coverages as nicely. He does an excellent job to proceed shifting ahead whereas working to get free, guaranteeing no wasted motion on his half.

Run After Catch

Burden’s finest trait is the work he does after the catch. In 2024, Missouri clearly tried to get essentially the most out of him on this side, as Burden noticed 63.8% of his targets journey fewer than 10 yards previous the road of scrimmage. Nonetheless, Burden’s 6.1 yards after the catch per reception is tied for fifth amongst receivers on this draft. His 30 damaged tackles additionally led your complete nation, a stable indicator of the harm Burden does after the catch.

Blocking

Nobody goes to confuse Burden for the following Hines Ward, however he’s competent sufficient to succeed as a blocker. He isn’t somebody who reveals a want to dam, and his body doesn’t do him many favors, however Burden isn’t a legal responsibility on this space by any stretch.

Versatility

Burden performed nearly completely on the perimeter as a real freshman earlier than shifting into the slot the final two years. Whereas some analysts have pointed to Burden’s pedestrian numbers towards man protection this yr as a purpose to challenge Burden as a slot-only choice on the subsequent stage, he solely noticed 19 targets towards man this yr. Burden noticed double that in 2023 and was extraordinarily productive. He can maintain his personal as a fringe receiver within the NFL.

Measurement

Burden doesn’t have the biggest body however he’s not missing for dimension both. His body is totally crammed out, and he has a low heart of gravity that has aided his after-catch means. He’s not essentially the most ideally suited leap ball goal, however Burden’s dimension makes him a viable goal on any sort of route.

Intangibles

Some have prompt that Burden took performs off in 2024, with others pointing to his restricted position as being one thing that mentally took Burden out of the sport at occasions. He has pure instincts with the ball in his hand and is the definition of a gamer.