There are plenty of Kansas City Chiefs fans who are also Missouri Tigers fans, and those worlds could collide during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Recent mock drafts from both Jordan Reid of ESPN and Dane Brugler of The Athletic have star Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III falling completely out of the first round.
Throughout most of the 2024 college football season, Burden was considered not only one of the top WR prospects in the 2025 draft class, but one of the best overall. However, Burden wasn’t as productive with the Tigers this past season as most thought he would be. Let’s take a quick look at his statistics from 2023 versus 2024.
2023
- 86 receptions
- 1,212 receiving yards
- 9 touchdowns
- 31 rushing yards
2024
- 61 receptions
- 686 yards
- 6 touchdowns
- 115 rushing yards
- 2 rushing touchdowns
Other than his rushing totals, those are pretty significant declines. There are some legitimate excuses to make for those stat reductions, such as Missouri’s issues at quarterback and coach Eli Drinkwitz’s inconsistent usage of Burden. Another knock against him is that he his route running could use some refinement.
Here’s what Burden had to say when asked about his dip in production in 2024 at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine:
“I feel like the opportunities I was given, I just tried to make my opportunities count when I was given the ball this year,” Burden said. “Obviously, there’s a lot more sophomore year.”
Burden also attributed his statistical decline to defenses putting emphasis on taking him away.
“I feel like I’m pretty much a gameplan for every team I face, so I mean, it’s not going to be easy getting me the ball,” Burden said. “I knew that going into the games, so I was already aware.”
Despite that, the good very much still outweighs the bad when it comes to Burden’s game. He possesses good 4.4 40-yard dash speed and is elite after the catch, forcing 30 missed tackles in 2024. His versatility allows him to be used all over the offensive formation, including out on the boundary, in the slot, or in the backfield.
Burden also has enough speed to create separation on downfield throws, and can make contested catches despite being a bit undersized at 6-foot and 206 pounds. He can contribute as a punt returner as well, as he averaged 12.6 yards per return in 2024 and took one for a touchdown.
If Burden is still available when the Chiefs get on the clock at No. 31 overall, one would have to think it would be tough for them to pass on him. His skillset is a natural fit for coach Andy Reid’s offense, and pairing him with Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice would make for a lethal trio at WR. Burden may even be worth trading up to the mid-20s to select if he falls that far.
