Packers Rumors: 2,200 Yard WR Reportedly “Falling Into Green Bay’s Lap”

   

Chiefs scouting report: Missouri Tigers WR Luther Burden III


The Green Bay Packers signed Mecole Hardman to a one-year contract earlier this week, further highlighting their need at the position.  One year ago, the wide receiver corps were thought to be one of the strongest groups on the entire team. By season’s end, however, drops and injuries highlighted the position more than anything else.

As it turns out, there may be a big name falling right into their laps that could dramatically improve the whole group.

Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

With Vic Fangio’s defense blanketing Green Bay’s receivers, Jordan Love had nowhere to go in a three-interception loss against the Philadelphia Eagles.

This season, Watson is expected to miss significant time and could leave in free agency next spring. In the coming weeks, the Packers should begin thinking about how they might replace him, and the ideal target might fall into their lap as the draft approaches:

Luther Burden III could solve many of the Packers’ offensive problems without Watson. He offers a bit of everything. The Missouri wide receiver has the necessary speed and home-run ability to punish defenses, but he can also generate explosive plays after the catch.

The good news? He could fall to the Packers at No. 23 despite having the talent to go earlier. ESPN’s Matt Miller ranks him 13th in this year’s rookie class but believes he could go lower on draft day.

“His three seasons of production and 4.41 speed at the combine are enough for me to believe he’s a top-15 player in this class — though he might be drafted lower due to concerns NFL teams have about his statistical drop-off,” writes Miller.

Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a pass for a two point conversion against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Nov 30, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III (3) catches a pass for a two point conversion against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Here is a look at Burden’s college stats:

  Receiving Rushing Scrimmage  
Season Team Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Y/R TD Y/G Att Yds Y/A TD Y/G Plays Yds Avg TD Awards
2022* Missouri SEC FR WR 13 45 375 8.3 6 28.8 18 88 4.9 2 6.8 63 463 7.3 8  
2023* Missouri SEC SO WR 13 86 1212 14.1 9 93.2 7 31 4.4 0 2.4 93 1243 13.4 9  
2024* Missouri SEC SR WR 12 61 676 11.1 6 56.3 9 115 12.8 2 9.6 70 791 11.3 8  
Career   38 192 2263 11.8 21 59.6 34 234 6.9 4 6.2 226 2497 11.0 25  
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) drops back to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images