One of the most dangerous playmakers in Tiger history is on his way to the NFL
LB3. MIZ. NFL.
With the 39th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears have selected Mizzou wide receiver Luther Burden III. This is the highest a Mizzou receiver has been selected in the draft since Jeremy Maclin went No. 19 overall in 2009. It’s also the 15th time in the past 20 years that Mizzou has had two or more players chosen in the draft.
Burden had a drop off in terms of pure production after his breakout 2023 season. He had 8 total touchdowns and his receiving yards dropped by about 50 percent year-over-year. But he still graded out as a high-end wide receiver by Pro Football Focus and posted the best rushing numbers of his career, an indicator of his versatility on the ball.
The selection of Burden gives the Bears’ new head coach Ben Johnson another enticing option on a young, explosive offense.
This was said in Rock M’s draft profile for Burden in March:
“Burden is like a Maserati or Lamborghini: a luxury machine that’s an absolute masterpiece with the right driver, but one that won’t reach its full potential if used in the wrong way or has the wrong person at the wheel. He’s an elite slot receiver that can be the centerpiece of an offense if they scheme to get him open in space and allow him to use his strengths.”
Johnson is known as one of the brightest young minds in the NFL after serving as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator. The Bears are sure to scheme for Burden’s versatility and rare skillset, a strong fit between player and team that should help Burden make the transition to Sundays.
Our NFL Draft coverage continues here on Rock M Nation and over on Rock M Plus.