Could Luther Burden be the No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?

With college football season in full swing, it's never too early for Pro Football Focus (PFF) to start releasing NFL Mock Drafts. In their first version of the 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Missouri Tigers standout receiver was projected as the No. 1 overall pick.

This is a feat that has never been accomplished in the history of Missouri Tigers football. While a handful of Tigers have been selected in the top 10, the No. 1 overall pick has never come from the University of Missouri.

Luther Burden III is a threat to defenses nationwide, and he has already showcased his talent at the collegiate level. Heading into his junior season, which will likely be his last at Missouri, Burden has garnered significant national recognition, appearing on nearly every preseason watchlist after being named to the All-American second team last season.

Through his first two games of the 2024 season, Luther Burden has found the end zone in both contests. Although he hasn't accumulated a ton of yards or receptions, the Tigers have made sure to get Burden the ball in the red zone. In back-to-back weeks, he's been responsible for Missouri's opening touchdown. This bodes well for the rest of the season, as he'll remain fresh for bigger matchups ahead.

Burden has benefited from playing in an extremely talented wide receiver room, which has prepared him well for his future in the NFL. Fellow playmaker Theo Wease could also have an NFL future ahead of him. With such a talented offensive unit around him, Burden should be ready to make a seamless jump to the league next season.

His talent is undeniable, not just as an elusive player but also as someone who isn't afraid to run right through defenders. In Week 2 against Buffalo, Burden showcased this by powering through a defender on his way into the end zone. While he had room on the edge, he chose to take the more physical route, making a statement with his strength.

He didn’t return to the game after that early score, but Coach Drinkwitz assured reporters afterward that it was purely precautionary, as Burden was dealing with an illness.

Burden has the skillset to be a potential number-one pick in this year’s NFL Draft, and his play should reflect that throughout the season. As the matchups get tougher, he'll likely become more involved, and it will be interesting to watch his draft stock rise as the season progresses.

Missouri is back in action on Saturday morning for a ranked matchup against Boston College, and Burden is expected to be back at full strength after missing action due to illness. The superstar wide receiver has limitless potential, and it will be exciting to see how he's utilized throughout the rest of the season.