Devy Diamonds: Luther Burden III, Wide Receiver, Missouri
Welcome to Devy Diamonds: Burden was a five-star prospect our of East St. Louis High School in East Saint Louis, Illinois. He had 30 Division-I offers before committing to Oklahoma in October of 2020. Ten months later he decided to withdraw his commitment from Oklahoma. Some had predicted Burden would commit to Georgia. These predictions began to gain steam when he had an official visit to Georgia on October 15, 2021. However, four days later he would commit to Missouri.
During his freshman campaign Burden caught 45 of 73 targets. Additionally, those 45 receptions turned into 375 yards and six touchdowns. Burden also showed his versatility by adding 88 yards rushing with an additional two touchdowns.
As a sophomore Burden elevated every aspect of his game. Burden became his quarterbacks favorite target. He had 86 receptions on 124 targets. During this season he increased his yards-per-reception by nearly six full yards. Those 86 receptions turned into 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. Burden’s chemistry with quarterback Brady Cook continues to grow and both will look to evolve that chemistry further through the 2024 season.
2024 Outlook: What to Expect
Expectations for wide receiver Luther Burden III from Missouri are high for the 2024 college football season. As a key offensive weapon, Burden is anticipated to take on a larger role in the Tiger’s offense. He will look to continue his elevation by showcasing his playmaking ability and dynamic skill set. Burden is expected to be the primary target for Missouri’s passing attack. This season he will likely lead the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Last season, he finished ninth overall in terms of receiving yards in college football. Five of those top nine have since been drafted to the NFL. Burden will look to not only lead the team as the top receiver, but also lead the nation as one of the best. Missouri understands that Burden is a unique wide receiver that can be utilized in different packages. They will look to maximize his strengths by playing to his speed and agility. He is expected to be used in various roles, including deep threats, screen passes, and possibly even in the return game. His versatility will allow the team to exploit mismatches and create big plays.
Burden will continue to build off his previous success by showing more consistent performances. If he is able to expand his route tree it would maximize his impact on the field. He already has reliable hands, but concentration will be key to minimize drops. As a veteran player, Burden is anticipated to step us as a leader. Both on and off the field, he will be called upon to guide younger receivers and contribute to the overall team dynamic.
Strengths:
- – Speed. He not only has straight line speed, but also speed in his routes to gain separation.
- – Physical. Burden can catch the ball in traffic utilizing his strength to bring the ball down. Last season he caught 56.5 percent of his contested catches.
- – Excellent footwork. He is an agile receiver that makes defenders miss. Burden’s elusiveness makes him great as kick returner.
- – Yards-After-Catch. Continuously turns short gains into substantial gains. He makes defenders miss by using his speed and agility to evade defenders. In two seasons at Missouri 63.9 percent of his yards have came from after the catch.
- – Reliable Hands. He has a good catch radius and hip control that allows him to become a favorite/reliable target for any quarterback. Last season alone he caught 71.7 percent of his targets.
Areas of Improvement
- – Route Tree. Although he has excellent skills once the ball is in his hands his route tree is somewhat vague. Finding ways to shift around after the snap and expanding his route tree will elevate him even further.
- – Press Coverage. Burden is strong, but his release against press coverage can be better. At times in press situations more physical defensive backs disrupt him enough to take him out the play at the line.
- – Drops. There have been instances where Burden has had concentration drops, particularly in high-pressure situations. Improving his focus and ensuring he secures the catch before making a move would help minimize these drops. He has had 11 drops in two seasons at Missouri.
Draft Stock: Eligible 2025
Consensus Projected Draft Capital: First Round Pick
Personal Projected Draft Capital: First Round Pick
Ideal Landing Spot: Denver Broncos
Burden would be a perfect fit for the Denver Broncos, fulfilling their need of an alpha wide receiver. His dynamic playmaking ability and explosive speed make him a nightmare for defenders. These traits are some the Broncos have been yearning for to rejuvenate their passing attack. Burden’s versatility allows him to excel in various roles. He is a solid deep threat and possession receiver that can demand targets. His agility enables him to create separation with ease, giving the quarterback a reliable and consistent offensive weapon. This reliability is crucial for the Broncos, who have struggled to find a true number one receiver capable of consistently making big plays and drawing defensive attention.
Moreover, Burden’s competitive nature and leadership qualities align perfectly with the Bronco’s culture. As a young but experienced receiver, he would bring fresh energy and work ethic to the team, inspiring fellow receivers to raise their overall level of play. His presence on the field would force defenses to adjust, opening up opportunities for other offensive weapons and creating a more balanced and potent attack. In essence, Burden’s combination of talent, versatility, and leadership makes him the ideal candidate to become the alpha the Denver Broncos have been searching for. He has the potential to transform their offense and help them compete at a higher level.
Fantasy Impact
Missouri’s standout wide receiver will be a valuable addition to any fantasy football team. With his explosive playmaking ability and role as the primary target in Missouri’s offense, Burden promises to deliver consistent points week in and week out. His versatility will allow him to excel in various situations thus having many opportunities to gain fantasy points. Burden’s knack for creating separation and making big plays will lead to high yardage and numerous scoring opportunities. Additionally, his dedication to his craft and continued development could see him have an even bigger year than his previous season. In most college fantasy football drafts Burden is the first wide receiver off the board. He is a true alpha and the WR1 you want for your team.
At the pro level, Burden will make an immediate impact for his team. He will line up as the X-wide receiver, and his dynamic skill set may even get him opportunities as a kick returner. In rookie drafts, Burden right now is expected to be an early first round pick. Top five at the very least, if not even sooner. He is floor will be a top-end WR2 for fantasy with a ceiling of being a top 15 if not top ten wide receiver overall. Burden has all the traits to be great, and if there is any buy-low window for him then take it. If a fantasy team is hurting at the wide receiver position then investing in an early 2025 first round pick would be a smart move. Draft Burden. Watch his rise to glory on your fantasy teams.
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