In his latest three-round mock draft, Dan Trapasso predicts the Lions will pick up Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden in the first round

Trapasso emphasizes that Burden is far from defined by his 2024 statistics, pointing out that the wideout was one of the most electrifying playmakers in college football just a year prior, with 86 catches for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. Across his college career, Burden accumulated 192 receptions, 2,263 yards, and 21 touchdowns. His combination of speed, smooth route running, and ability to create yards after the catch make him an enticing prospect.

Burden turned heads at the NFL Combine with an impressive 4.41-second 40-yard dash and a swift 1.54-second 10-yard split. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 206 pounds, his physical attributes—coupled with strong hands and blazing speed—make him a prime candidate to excel as a top outside target in the NFL.

The Lions’ passing game, already potent with St. Brown and Williams, could benefit from the addition of a dynamic receiver like Burden. While the team’s current receiving trio looks promising, investing in Burden would help ensure Detroit maintains offensive excellence, even if Williams’ contract demands make him too costly to retain.