As we gear up for the 2024 college football season, the spotlight has squarely landed on two standout wide receivers: Luther Burden III from Missouri and Tetairoa McMillan from Arizona. Both have been generating a buzz among scouts and draft analysts, but it’s clear that McMillan has established himself as the preeminent choice among the prospective WR class. Heading into the draft—in less than two months—many analysts predict McMillan will be snapped up among the top ten picks.
On the flip side, Burden’s trajectory has taken a noticeable hit this past season. After a robust sophomore outing that showcased his talent with a stat line of 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns, Burden’s performance dipped during his junior year, finishing with 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns. This decline has shifted perceptions, placing Burden a tier below McMillan in the overall draft rankings.
Recent buzz from the NFL Combine has also stirred the pot regarding Burden’s draft prospects. Many analysts are expressing weariness about his to hear his name called in the first round, a considerable departure from the lofty expectations once held for him.
In the wake of the NFL Combine, mock drafts are going through a transformation. Burden has seen his name tumble in these recent projections. Notably, ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst, Jordan Reid, suggests Burden could drop to the 34th pick, where the Tennessee Titans may be poised to select him after trading away their initial first-round selection.
Reid noted that the Titans are likely looking to beef up their offensive options. With promising flashes from Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in 2024, there’s a clear need for a reliable No. 2 receiver to support Calvin Ridley, and Burden could fit that bill as a dynamic catch-and-run threat.
Another significant voice in the drafting discourse, Dane Brugler from The Athletic, echoes Reid’s sentiment, projecting Burden to fall to Day Two of the draft. While Brugler’s latest mock doesn’t specify an exact spot for the Missouri star, it’s telling that he’s absent from the first 32 selections.
Both Reid and Brugler have identified other names, like Travis Hunter, McMillan, Matthew Golden, and Emeka Egbuka, as solid first-round contenders, which only amplifies Burden’s slide down the board. In particular, Golden’s impressive 4.29-second 40-yard dash seems to have bolstered his standing significantly, potentially overshadowing Burden in the eyes of teams in need of wide receiver depth.
As we inch closer to April, the dynamic nature of the NFL Draft continues to evolve. It’s essential to remember that team evaluations can often differ from those of media analysts. While viewers might still see potential in Burden, his recent mock draft positioning tells a story of cautious optimism. The Combine performance may not have been enough to secure him a coveted first-round slot, but don’t be surprised if he finds his name mentioned on draft night—it’s the unpredictable nature of the event that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
