Following the trade of former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel, fans were left wondering whether the Washington Commanders would be done with their push to find quality wide receivers to pair with Terry McLaurin.
As second receivers go, Samuel is a significant upgrade over the last few the team had during the last five years.
Washington may not be done, though.
In a scouting analysis done by Bucky Brooks of NFL Network, Missouri's Luther Burden III could be a player that a receiver-needy team like Washington may want to focus on during the 2025 Draft.
"Few players have better catch-and-run tools than this Missouri product. A former five-star recruit, Burden dazzles with the ball in his hands, exhibiting outstanding speed, burst, and body control while eluding defenders on the perimeter. As a dynamic receiver/runner/returner with a stout frame (6-foot, 206 pounds) and good speed (4.41-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine), he reminds me of Deebo Samuel with the ball in his hands," Brooks said. "Burden has failed to generate the pre-draft buzz that usually surrounds do-it-all weapons with big-play potential. While the football world is seemingly sleeping on his talents, Burden should be an instant-impact playmaker wherever he lands."
Some have Burden mocked as a top-12 player (with the Dallas Cowboys in the conversation, as they pick 12th). Would he really slip to the back of the round?
Dallas is far more needy at this position than the Commanders are, as only CeeDee Lamb is an established standout for the Dak Prescott-led Cowboys.
Dallas might be forced to "draft for need'' here.
Washington's work in free agency has made it extremely easy for the Commanders to avoid that pitfall.
It is true they have plenty of needs on the defensive side of the ball. But maybe the Commanders need to get younger, particularly on offense, too.
Bringing in a young player like Burden would be an excellent fit not only for the 2025 Commanders team, but for the future as well. ... whereas Dallas could use him, like, right now.
