Four wide receivers were selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, as Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden heard their names called after two-way star Travis Hunter.
One notable absence was Luther Burden III, who watched as his peers celebrated with their new teams.
Rather than dwelling on being passed over, Burden responded with action.
Shortly before 1 a.m., he shared an Instagram Story that spoke volumes, a carefully arranged image showing his helmet, cleats, gloves and a football on the turf.
“Luther Burden’s response to being left out of the first round of the NFL Draft … A midnight workout at Mizzou’s practice facility,” Dov Kleiman wrote on X.
Dawg: Luther Burden’s response to being left out of the first round of the NFL draft…
A midnight workout at Mizzou’s practice facility 😤 pic.twitter.com/ldhj7x801S
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 25, 2025
The message required no caption. While others celebrated, Burden had already returned to work, focused on preparing for whatever opportunity the rest of the draft might bring.
The Missouri receiver established himself as a premier talent during the 2023 season, when he recorded 86 receptions for 1,212 yards and nine touchdowns.
His 2024 season was a different story, with his production dropping to 61 catches, 676 yards and six TDs.
Burden demonstrated versatility by adding 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns, though that couldn’t fully offset the decline in receiving numbers.
As the draft continues, Burden is arguably the most talented receiver still available and potentially one of the best overall prospects regardless of position.
The Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots hold early second-round selections at No. 37 and No. 38, respectively, and with the need for a receiver prominent for both, Burden’s wait might end quickly when the draft resumes.
