Standout Mizzou WR Luther Burden drafted by Bears in 2025 NFL Draft
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KCTV) - Star Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III was selected in the 2nd round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday.
Burden was drafted by the Chicago Bears following three seasons at Mizzou. The 6-foot product of East St. Louis, Illinois, was a 2023 Biletnikoff Award semifinalist as one of the best wide receivers in college football.
He was also a consensus Second Team All-American during that season, helping Mizzou win the Cotton Bowl over Ohio State.
The two-time First Team All-SEC selection played in 38 career games at Mizzou and started 33 of them. In total, he made 192 receptions for 2,263 yards and totaled 21 touchdowns.
Burden is also a threat as a runner and as a kick or punt returner. During his collegiate career, he had 34 rushing attempts for 23 yards and four touchdowns, while also returning 24 punts for 252 yards and another touchdown.
| Season | Games | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Rushing Attempts | Rush yards | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 (Freshman) | 13 | 45 | 375 | 6 | 18 | 88 | 2 |
| 2023 (Sophomore) | 13 | 86 | 1212 | 9 | 7 | 31 | 0 |
| 2024 (Junior) | 12 | 61 | 676 | 6 | 9 | 115 | 2 |
Burden arrived at Mizzou with high expectations as a consensus five-star recruit. In the Class of 2022, Burden was ranked as the 14th-best player nationally and the No. 2 wide receiver.
Entering the 2024 season, Burden was expected by many to be the first wide receiver drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. Struggles for the Tigers offense and injuries to quarterback Brady Cook contributed to a less productive junior season than the year prior for Burden, ultimately leading him to become the 5th wide receiver drafted this year.
Burden, 21, will turn 22 years old this December.
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