The Detroit Lions are making moves to strengthen their roster as they gear up for the 2025 NFL season, and one area of focus appears to be adding a dynamic wide receiver to complement their existing talent. With quarterback Jared Goff leading the charge, the Lions are already well-positioned on offense, thanks to standout players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. However, the team is looking to add more depth and elevate its playmaking potential to ensure long-term success, especially given the injuries they faced during the previous season. In this context, NFL analyst Chris Trapasso, writing for CBS Sports, has suggested the Lions should target Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Burden comes to the NFL with impressive college credentials, having posted solid stats over his three seasons at Missouri. In 2024, he caught 61 passes for 676 yards and six touchdowns. However, his breakout year came in 2023, when he accumulated 86 receptions, 1,212 yards, and nine touchdowns. Over the course of his college career, Burden racked up 2,263 receiving yards and 25 total touchdowns. These numbers place him among the top wide receiver prospects in the 2025 draft class. His combination of speed, athleticism, and playmaking ability makes him a natural fit for a team like the Lions, who are aiming for a deep playoff run.
Lance Zierlein, a prominent NFL analyst, praised Burden’s “five-star athleticism” and noted that he has the ability to separate from defenders on all levels of the field. While Burden’s production wasn’t always consistent—partly due to Missouri’s quarterback play—his skill set is undeniable. Zierlein believes that with the right coaching and a more diversified offensive scheme, Burden has the potential to thrive in the NFL and become a high-impact player.
One of Burden’s most notable strengths is his versatility. He can excel in various receiving roles, whether it’s stretching the field on deep routes or creating separation on intermediate throws. This versatility would make him a valuable addition to the Lions’ offense, providing Goff with another dangerous weapon and enhancing the team’s ability to stretch defenses.
Moreover, the addition of Burden would add critical depth to the wide receiver position, which is crucial for a team coming off a season filled with injuries. By adding Burden to the mix, the Lions could mitigate the risk of injury to their key players and have more reliable options at the wide receiver spot, ensuring that their offense remains potent and competitive throughout the season.
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