Now that the Dallas Cowboys have their next head coach in former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, attention turns to the 2025 NFL Draft.
There are multiple areas of need for the Cowboys after a disappointing 7-10 season under former head coach Mike McCarthy. And making the best decision with the No. 12 overall pick would be a step in the right direction.
With franchise quarterback Dak Prescott and All-Pro wide receiver Ceedee Lamb back in the fold, the franchise is projected to add another playmaker to get the most out of the passing game, according to CBS Sports’ new mock draft from Josh Edwards.
Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III
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Edwards projects Dallas to land Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III, one of the most talented wideouts in the class.
“Brandin Cooks can no longer provide that consistent, complementary skill set to CeeDee Lamb, who has pleaded for help,” Edwards wrote. “Luther Burden III is a thickly built receiver skilled in making defenders miss in open space.”
Burden (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) broke out as a sophomore in 2023 with 1,212 receiving yards on 86 catches with nine touchdowns, earning Second-Team All-America and First-Team All-SEC honors.
The East Saint Louis, Illinois, native saw a drop in production in 2024 but still earned First-Team All-SEC honors as a junior with 61 catches for 676 yards and eight total touchdowns.
Burden is accomplished as a pass catcher, but he also provides versatility elsewhere. The former five-star recorded four rushing touchdowns and returned a punt for a score during his three seasons with the Tigers.
The Cowboys could use a talent like Burden to take some of the load off Lamb, who was targeted nearly twice as much as the next closest Cowboys receiver in 2024.
Evaluation for Schottenheimer and president, owner and general manager Jerry Jones will continue with the combine and Pro Days remaining. The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
