The 2025 NFL Draft will begin on April 24, and to prepare for that, we need Bucs fans to be fully prepared in every way. Of course, we will cover players the Bucs will need, but it is important to go beyond that.
In the case of this wide receiver report, we will cover the position here at Bucs Wire because the team needs some better talent at the position.
The Bucs have future Hall of Famer Mike Evans, who will be around for a few more seasons. We are unsure if Chris Godwin will be part of the future, but the fans sure hope he is. Even if they bring back Godwin, the team needs some competition for Jalen McMillan and more depth. This year, more than ever, we have seen the need for depth at the position due to all the injuries they have had to overcome.
With that in mind, here is a wide receiver prospect who could don a Bucs uniform next season.
Player Information
Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a pass for a two point conversion against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Player: Luther Burden III
School: Missouri
Year: Third-Year Junior
DOB (Age when drafted): December 12, 2003 (21)
Height (unofficial): 5-11
Weight (unofficial): 208 lbs.
Player Background
Nov 23, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) reacts after a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
- 5-star recruit according to 247 Sports
- One of four 5-star recruits to ever sign with Missouri
- 3-star basketball recruit according to ESPN
- 2x First-Team All-SEC
Career Stats
Nov 23, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) attempts to make a reception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Receptions: 192
Receiving Yards: 2,263
Yards Per Reception: 11.8
Receiving Touchdowns: 21
Drops: 14
Notable PFF Numbers from the 2024 season
Nov 9, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs with the ball during the first half against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Receiving Grade: 80.2
Yards Per Reception After Contact: 6.1
Average Depth of Target: 9
Yards Per Route Run: 2.32
Contested Catches: 6
Player Strengths
Oct 26, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) warms up before a game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Butch Dill-Imagn Images
- Shift route runner and ball carrier, able to make defenders miss in space
- Great job of creating separation on his routes to make sure he has time to create
- Top-tier body control when attacking the ball in the air, running between defenders, and working the sideline
- Great hands to secure the ball in traffic and through contact
- Shows great effort when blocking, has some success but should be better with the NFL focusing on it’s importance and coaching it up
Trait Grades
Oct 19, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) is unable to make a catch during the second half against the Auburn Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Hands: 7.7
Release: 7
Route Running: 7
Separation: 7.7
Contested Catches: 6.7
Ball Tracking: 7
Body Control: 8
YAC Ability: 8
Agility: 7
Size/Strength: 6
Player Summary
Oct 12, 2024; Amherst, Massachusetts, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) runs the ball ball against the Massachusetts Minutemen during the first half at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Luther Burden III didn’t repeat the explosiveness of his 2023 season in 2024 but he showcased some new talents. Burden III showcases some great ball carrier vision and an ability to get something out of nothing more often than not. The Missouri offense had their offensive line breakdown at times and Burden III always made sure he was ready for the ball following his quarterback. His speed and elusiveness should allow him to find success at the next level and make a meaningful contribution on day one, wherever he lands.
Grade: 7.17
Projected Role: Year 1 Starter
