Tim Twentyman

Name:Luther Burden III

Position:Wide receiver

School:Missouri

Ht/Wt:6-0, 206

40-yard dash:4.41 seconds

Bench:Did not bench

Vertical:Did not jump

Broad:Did not jump

3-cone:Did not run

20-yard shuttle:Did not run

How he fits:There have been a few mock drafts that link Burden to the Lions at the end of the first round.

While wide receiver doesn't stand out as a huge need for the Lions heading into the NFL Draft, we know that doesn't matter much to Lions general manager Brad Holmes. He's going to select the best player at that spot he picks and Burden is considered one of the top receivers in the class.

His numbers dipped a little bit in 2024, but inconsistent quarterback play affected that too. In 2023, Burden caught 86 passes for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns with 1,313 all-purpose yards. He had 61 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns this past season.

Detroit has a solid three at receiver inAmon-Ra St. Brown,Jameson WilliamsandTim PatrickwithKalif Raymondas a solid contributor as well. Patrick is only on a one-year deal and Williams is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the team having to decide on the fifth-year option by May 1.

There could be a long-term need there, and Burden fits the Lions from a speed, athleticism and playmaking standpoint. He's really good after the catch and that would fit in perfectly with the Lions' offense. He's got terrific hands and toughness, and though he played mostly in the slot the last two years at Missouri, his skillset, ball tracking and toughness could translate outside as well.

Burden also knows Williams well, playing in the same youth organization in St. Louis and at the same high school as the Lions' speedster.

Key observations:Burden had a contested catch percentage above 50 two years in a row, per Pro Football Focus statistics.

What they had to say about him:"Burden's physical traits are undeniable, as the powerful and explosive wideout was one of the best players in college football in 2023 and especially thrived as a run-after-catch threat. Over three seasons, Burden averaged 7.0 yards after catch per reception and forced 72 missed tackles.

"He ran an impressive 4.41-second 40 at the combine, too. But scouts have spent the past few months digging into his pedestrian 2024 season 676 yards compared to 1,212 in 2023 which could impact his stock." Field Yates, ESPN

How he stacks up:Yates lists Burden as No. 28 on hisBig Boardof the Top 32 prospects in the class. NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah lists Burden as No. 31 on his most recentversionof his Top 50 players.

Burden comes in at No. 20 in Dan Brugler of The Athletic'slistof the Top 100 players in the draft.

"With just one 100-yard receiving performance in 2024, Burden wasn't able to build on his All-America sophomore season as the entire Missouri offense struggled but there were enough flashes to tease his high-level talent," Brugler wrote. "Because of his run-after-catch skills, Burden saw a high-volume of quick hitters and crossers, which showcased his any-direction burst and physicality to give defenders the shake."

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks released hislistof the Top 5 players at every position in the class and Burden comes in at No. 2 among the group of receivers behind only Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan. No. 3 is Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State), No. 4 Tre Harris (Mississippi) and No. 5 Isaiah Bond (Texas).

NFL.com lead writer Eric Edholm puts Burden at No. 26 and the fourth best receiver in the class on hislistof the 100 Top Players.

ESPN's Matt Miller updated hisTop 50 prospectsthis week and Burden comes in at No. 13. Jordan Reid has Burden at No. 30 in hisTop 50 prospects.

What he had to say:"I got a mentality (of) as soon as I get the ball, trying to score, trying to put my team in the best position to be successful," Burden said at the Combine. "I feel like I'm different in every aspect, so I mean, my skillset is good for me, and I can't wait to show it."