Luther Burden III NFL Draft 2025: 3 teams that should target Missouri's star wideout ft. Cincinnati Bengals and more 

Missouri Tigers star wide receiver Luther Burden III has officially declared for the 2025 NFL draft. The collegiate football standout will not play in the Tigers' bowl game as he prepares for the next stage in his young career.

Burden III is widely viewed as a potential first-round draft pick.

3 teams that should target Luther Burden III in 2025 NFL draft

Here's a look at three franchises that should take a closer look at Luther Burden III in 2025.

#1. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills are having a phenomenal season and are well on track to making a run in the playoffs. However, they need a true WR1 because Stefon Diggs left for the Houston Texans before the start of the season.

Luther Burden III looks tailor-made for Sean McDermott's offense due to his dynamism and acceleration. Also, his value as a punt returner could serve as another weapon for the AFC powerhouses.

If Burden gets drafted by the Bills, he'll join a roster that includes Amari Cooper, Curtis Samuel, and Keon Coleman. There's a world in which all four players can coexist as threats for MVP frontrunner Josh Allen.

#2. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers are enduring their annual forgettable regular season. The Dave Canales-coached team has dealt with issues in various positions, but only some needs are as glaring as the wide receiver spot.

The Panthers using their first-round pick on Burden could be a masterstroke due to his potential and current abilities. He could become the wide receiver that Bryce Young needs to advance to the next level.

The Missouri Tigers' pass catcher's ability to break tackles will give him the edge over his veteran teammates in 2025. He'll be entering a wide receiver room with Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker. It's not that stacked of a wideout room to break into and become a number one target.

#3. Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow is having arguably the best individual season of his career, but the Cincinnati Bengals are just a few losses away from missing the playoffs. The Bengals have a flawed roster, and one position where they'll need urgent reinforcements is wide receiver.

Luther Burden III could serve as a like-for-like replacement for Tee Higgins in the 2025 season and beyond. Higgins' contract expires at the end of the current season, and reports suggest that he'll be on his way out of Cincinnati.

Burden's big play ability and versatility could bring something fresh to the Bengals alongside incumbent WR1 Ja'Marr Chase. It'll be interesting to see whether the Bengals decide to give their star quarterback a dynamic new weapon in next year's draft.