The Cowboys really need to focus on improving their wide receiver room.
One of the most hyped receiver prospects in the nation, Luther Burden was a 5-star recruit out of East Saint Louis, Illinois. He picked the Mizzou Tigers over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, and other blue bloods. Ranked as the second best high school receiver in the country and the 14th overall prospect, Burden arrived in Columbia with sky high expectations.
Name: Luther Burden III
Position: WR
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 205 pounds
For the most part, Burden lived up to them too. Playing as a true freshman, he led the team in touchdown receptions and finished second in catches, immediately cementing himself as a reliable option in the passing game. Burden exploded in 2023, racking up 1,200+ yards through the air and finishing seventh in the nation in yards per route run.
Burden’s numbers regressed in 2024, but that coincided with a decidedly more run-heavy offense for the Tigers. Still, Burden continued to show off his impressive ability after the catch and now enters the draft as one of the top receivers in his class. Burden could very well be a top target for the Cowboys as they look to upgrade Dak Prescott’s weapons.
Route Running: Burden’s route tree was limited this past season, but the 2023 season shows he can run any route in the route tree. He could maybe be a bit more fluid in his movements, but Burden consistently managed to create separation at all three levels every year as a Tiger.
Hands
Burden’s hands improved greatly over his three-year career. He went from having seven drops as a true freshman to four as a sophomore and just three in 2024. His tape this past year shows great technical ability in being quick with his hands, allowing him to adjust faster to balls and not give anything away to his defender when playing in phase.
Playmaking Ability
Burden didn’t see much work as a deep threat receiver this past year, but his 2023 season was incredible. Burden generated 415 yards and four scores off passes more than 20 yards downfield and posted a 119.1 passer rating. He demonstrated an exceptional ability at tracking the deep ball and timing his jump right to sky to the catch point.
Release
Burden primarily played in the slot the last two years, which allowed him plenty of clean releases, but he’s demonstrated an ability to work off of press coverages as well. He does a good job to continue moving forward while working to get free, ensuring no wasted movement on his part.
Run After Catch
Burden’s best trait is the work he does after the catch. In 2024, Missouri clearly tried to get the most out of him in this facet, as Burden saw 63.8% of his targets travel fewer than 10 yards past the line of scrimmage. Still, Burden’s 6.1 yards after the catch per reception is tied for fifth among receivers in this draft. His 30 broken tackles also led the entire nation, a solid indicator of the damage Burden does after the catch.
Blocking
No one is going to confuse Burden for the next Hines Ward, but he’s competent enough to succeed as a blocker. He isn’t someone who shows a desire to block, and his frame doesn’t do him many favors, but Burden isn’t a liability in this area by any stretch.
Versatility
Burden played almost exclusively on the perimeter as a true freshman before moving into the slot the last two years. While some analysts have pointed to Burden’s pedestrian numbers against man coverage this year as a reason to project Burden as a slot-only option at the next level, he only saw 19 targets against man this year. Burden saw double that in 2023 and was extremely productive. He can hold his own as a perimeter receiver in the NFL.
Size
Burden doesn’t have the largest frame but he’s not lacking for size either. His frame is fully filled out, and he has a low center of gravity that has aided his after-catch ability. He’s not the most ideal jump ball target, but Burden’s size makes him a viable target on any kind of route.
Intangibles
Some have suggested that Burden took plays off in 2024, with others pointing to his limited role as being something that mentally took Burden out of the game at times. He has natural instincts with the ball in his hand and is the definition of a gamer.