Countdown to 2025 Draft: Is Luther Burden III the missing piece to Saints offense?
Wide receiver prospect Luther Burden III thrives gaining yards after the catch, and that’s an area the New Orleans Saints have been missing for a while.
The New Orleans Saints desperately need to add more talented wide receivers this offseason, and they’ll have the chance to do that in free agency and in the 2025 NFL Draft. The draft will be especially exciting because New Orleans has the No. 9 overall pick. With that pick, the Saints could select an elite prospect like wide receiver Luther Burden III.
Saints could select Luther Burden III in first round of 2025 Draft
Accolades: 2023 2nd team All-America, 2023 Biletnikoff Award Semifinalist, 2023 first team All-SEC
2024 stats: 61 receptions, 676 yards, 6 touchdowns
Size: 5’11, 208 LBs
Projection: 1st round
Luther Burden III is a shifty receiver who becomes dangerous when the ball is put in his hands. The former five star recruit is athletic as they come for a receiver. His ability after the catch, willingness to attack 50/50 balls, and his prowess in creating separation makes him a viable option for any team looking at a first round receiver.
Burden burst onto the college football scene after an elite 2023 season, tallying 86 receptions for 1,209 yards and nine touchdowns. Expectations were high for him heading into 2024. However, he never seemed to get on track. This was in large part due to Missouri’s offense not nearly being at the same level as 2023. It’s evident while watching film that Burden is still a dynamic playmaker worth a first round pick.
His ability to gain yards after the catch will make him an immediate contributor in the NFL. His elusiveness makes him a nightmare for opposing defenders to bring down. Missouri capitalized on this, especially in 2023, by manufacturing short routes to get him easy catches. Once the ball was in his hands they could expect a big play. This is something new head coach Kellen Moore could implement into the Saints offense if they choose to draft him.
Burden is excellent in contested catch situations despite only being 5’11. He is uber-athletic and has great body control, allowing him to go up with the defender and steal it out of the sky. He masterfully times his leap to meet the ball at the climax of his jump. This allows him to reach the ball before the defender, leading to an easier catch.
The wide receiver excels at creating separation from his defender, especially in man coverage. His acceleration off the line is impressive, already making it a challenge for the defender to stay with him. He pairs this with changing speeds constantly while running his route which makes the defender off balance. Him being able to do this allows him to be so successful running short routes.
The biggest area of concern with Burden is him finishing routes. There are times on film where he seemingly gives up on the play. This could stem from a frustrating season at Missouri but that won’t hold up in the NFL.
The Saints have needed a receiver who is able to gain yards after the catch; they could find their answer in drafting Luther Burden III. His ability after the catch, willingness to bring down 50/50 balls, and ability to create separation makes him an intriguing prospect for teams in the first round.
