Rajvir Bal Goes Big on Missouri Wide Receiver Luther Burden III

Early last September, I evaluated Missouri Tigers’ wide receiver (WR) Luther Burden III.

I liked what I saw. I was intrigued by his positional versatility, calling him a first-round pick and even suggesting he could see snaps at running back in the NFL.

With just a few weeks out from the draft, CBS, Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, and FOX Sports are all projecting him as a first-rounder.

I was intrigued by Burden from the start, so I was eager to dive back into his film.

He didn’t disappoint.

After watching eight games total of Burden’s college career, here’s what I found:

Background

Burden was a five-star prospect out of high school and committed to Mizzou in October of 2021 (per 247Sports).

Burden’s Stats:

2023:

• 13 games
• 86 catches
• 1,212 yards
• 9 touchdowns

2024:

• 12 games
• 61 receptions
• 676 yards
• 6 touchdowns

This Tigers’ receiver is in the 36th percentile for height and 62nd percentile for weight (per NFLDraftBuzz).

#3 Luther Burden III 6-foot-0, 206 pounds 
Rajvir Bal’s 2025 NFL Draft Grade: Mid First-Round (I would select him)
Projected by 82.5 % of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of April 1, 2025 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

Luther Burden III Can Be Weapon X in an NFL Offense (5 games evaluated)

2024 game film reviewed: Boston College, Texas A&M, and South Carolina (click to view games watched to form this evaluation)

Scheming Versatility

Missouri had him lining up in the slot, outside, in the backfield, and in motion. They utilized him well, but I believe they were only scratching the surface of his full potential. He has rare athletic ability, coupled with a high football IQ and feel for the game. In the right offensive system, Burden could legitimately become one of the most dynamic wide receivers ever.

That’s high praise, but his film backs it up.

Separating Speed

Perhaps Burden’s best trait is his ability to break off from defenders. His separation abilities don’t come from sharp routes, but rather his speed and elusiveness.

Burden can cut and change direction without losing speed, and when he’s running routes that don’t require cuts, defensive backs simply can’t keep up with him.

His speed and shiftiness will likely allow him to run circles around defensive backs at the next level.

Feel for the Game

Burden isn’t just an athlete ⎯he’s an all-around football player with high-end technique as well.

His ball-tracking skills are off the charts, as demonstrated by the clip below.

His body control is also notable. He can effortlessly twist and adjust in mid-air to secure difficult catches.

Overall, he has a smooth element about his game. Everything flows and rarely does it feel like he’s punching above his weight or that he can’t do what is asked of him.

Drawbacks?

Burden’s lack of size is evident on film. He has difficulty shaking larger defensive backs, his hands are mediocre at best, and he struggles with contested catches.

I would also like to see him improve his route tree in the NFL.

Ten Adjectives

Versatile. Explosive. Shifty. Dynamic. Smooth. Intelligent. Fast. Elusive. Inconsistent. Undersized.

NFL Crystal Ball

Dallas Cowboys

Miami Dolphins

Green Bay Packers

Pro Comp: 4-Time Pro Bowler Colts WR T.Y. Hilton (ranks in top 100 NFL Receiving Yards Career Leaders at No. 61)

Role On Team: WR1 with All-Pro upside

Final Words

No one in the 2025 draft class has a higher ceiling than Burden. I feel that if he puts it all together, he has the potential to be the most electrifying offensive weapon in football.

Rajvir Bal is a high school student from the Virginia area. He grew up a rabid Washington Redskins fan, attending more than 30 games, and has enjoyed the team’s high points and low points throughout his life. He plays varsity football and basketball. Rajvir has taken an interest in the NFL Draft since middle school when his team picked Montez Sweat and Dwayne Haskins in the first round. His favorite NFL player ever flips between Rob Gronkowski and Brett Favre, and his favorite athlete is LeBron James. He has been writing his own scouting reports since 2020, and is excited for the opportunities FirstRoundMock provides.