Luther Burden III exploded on the scene in his sophomore year in 2023 with 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns. However, his numbers took a drastic dip a season ago when he finished 2024 with 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns.
Despite Burden’s statistical drop, he is still widely projected as a first-round selection. The former five-star recruit played in 38 games in three years at Missouri and earned First Team All-SEC honors in his last two seasons.
Burden has great agility and is dangerous in space on short- and medium-yardage routes. He’s also shown the ability to make an impact in the running game, which could make him a good fit for coach Mike McDaniel who often uses his receivers in more ways than just the pass game. But Burden is also a deep threat with elite speed and the ability to make contested grabs.
Position: WR
Projected round: 1st
Height: 5’11
Weight: 208 pounds
Fit for Miami
Burden is the type of eclectically skilled receiver the Dolphins have tended to look for during McDaniel’s tenure. Miami values wideouts who can impact both the run and pass game, and can excel at finding yards after the catch. The offense is largely predicated on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa getting the ball out quick to his skill players and letting them go to work.
Although wide receiver isn’t currently a glaring need for the Dolphins, it will swiftly become one if Tyreek Hill is moved from the roster. Miami would save around $15 million in salary cap space if Hill is traded this summer.
Hill has been in the news for all of the wrong reasons in 2025. His “I’m out, bro” comments after a Week 18 loss to the Jets suggested an immediate severance between Hill and the Dolphins could be on the way.
In addition to Hill, the Dolphins have Jaylen Waddle, Malik Washington, tight end Jonnu Smith, and running back De’Von Achane as Tagovailoa’s primary playmakers. While that’s a solid array of weapons, there isn’t much behind the starters on the depth chart at receiver. It will be difficult for the Dolphins to compete for the better pass catchers in free agency, making the draft a more optimal spot to address the position.
Burden’s skillset would make him a great fit on Mike McDaniel’s offense and bolster the receiver group without the Dolphins digging themselves further into cap trouble.
Bottom line
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has to decide soon if the team’s immediate future includes Tyreek Hill. If not, he will need to immediately attempt to replace Hill’s production with a new target or two for Tagovailoa.
Burden is a gifted wideout who McDaniel can use in a multitude of ways and help take this offense to new heights. Selecting Burden would give the Dolphins a talented receiver who will be an immediate fit, regardless if Hill is moved or not.