Rams could benefit from this receiver’s plummeting draft stock

Back in December Luther Burden was a surefire top 15 pick. Now? He could be available for Rams.

As recently as December, Mizzou receiver Luther Burden seemed to be a surefire top 15 selection in this spring’s NFL Draft. His stock has plummeted of late, and now it’s starting to seem as though he could be available deep into the first round.

The Los Angeles Rams stand to benefit should Burden fall. While the team still has Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell and added another starter through free agency in Davante Adams, more can be done to future-proof the receiver position. Adams is effectively on a one-year deal and Atwell will hit the open market in 2026.

Below is Burden’s average draft position on consensus boards according to NFL Mock Draft Database:

https://www.nflmockdraftdatabase.com/players/2025/luther-burden

Out of 135 big boards, 1060 1st round mocks, and 1208 team-based mocks, Burden is now tracking to be selected closer to 33rd overall. He’s gone from an early first round pick to possible falling out of the first day of the draft all together.

It’s hard to believe that a former sophomore All-American who runs a 4.41 40-yard dash could fall out of favor; however, Burden was unable to maintain his production at Missouri in 2024 amidst systemic offensive struggles and poor quarterback play.

Burden would be a force in Los Angeles

What makes for a great Rams receiver?

Run after the catch ability? Check, in a big way.

Willingness as a blocker? Check, in a big way.

An oversimplification, sure, but Burden exactly fits the profile that has worked for the Rams in recent history.

Here are some highlights from Pats Pulpit’s scouting report that demonstrate how effective Burden could be in Los Angeles:

Give the ball to Luther Burden and positive things will happen. The 21-year-old is as good a player as any in this draft maximizing his opportunities with the football in his hands, as evidenced by his top-of-the-class 30 missed tackles forced in 2024 and his 6.1-yard average after the catch (relative to an overall 11.1 yards/reception number)…

In addition, Burden might be one of the best and most willing blockers the wide receiver class has to offer this year. His work in the running game and on screen plays will be positively noted by scouts.

It’s not all rosy; however, Burden is slight of frame and that could give teams pause. At 6-0, 206 lbs., he’s not exactly the prototypical Rams receiver from a pure size perspective. Still, Zac Taylor and the Cincinnati Bengals have had no issues finding ways to help Ja’marr Chase make an impact and he has relatively the same measurables. Malik Nabers of the New York Giants is another similarly sized player.

Then there are the production questions which will follow Burden into the draft as if it were his shadow. His quarterback, Brady Cook, is eligible for the draft though is seemingly unlikely to be selected. Missouri also had a revolving door at quarterback last season with Cook battling injuries late into the year. His replacement in those absences, Drew Pyne, was far worse. Both Cook and Pyne hovered around the 60% completion mark in 2024, and it’s difficult to anchor your passing attack with that level of efficiency.

The future of the receiver position is in flux beyond next season for the Rams, outside of Nacua. Adams and Atwell may not be around. It remains to be seen if Jordan Whittington can grow in his second year.

More must be done to future-proof the position in Los Angeles. Burden would be an impact contributor in the short-term with the upside to become a star-level player. Should he fall into the late part of the first round, he will be an appealing option for the Rams at 26th overall.