Dallas Cowboys Linked to Missouri WR Luther Burden III in Early 2025 Mock Drafts
The Dallas Cowboys’ offensive struggles in 2024 were glaring, with significant challenges hindering their ability to perform at an elite level. The offseason was marred by protracted contract negotiations involving quarterback Dak Prescott and star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, leaving the team’s passing game out of sync as the season began. Adding to their woes, veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks endured a slow start due to a knee injury, and third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert failed to rise to the occasion as a reliable contributor. The situation deteriorated further when Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, leaving the Cowboys with a lackluster passing attack for the remainder of the year.
Now facing the offseason once again, the Cowboys are poised for a major overhaul. With Brandin Cooks entering free agency and head coach Mike McCarthy stepping away, the team’s offensive unit is set for a significant transformation. Wide receiver has emerged as a critical need, and with the Cowboys projected to hold the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, analysts are already linking Dallas to top receiving talent.
One notable voice is ESPN’s Mel Kiper, who, in his first 2025 mock draft, has the Cowboys selecting Missouri wideout Luther Burden III. Burden has gained recognition as one of the most dynamic and explosive receivers in college football, making him a tantalizing prospect for a team in dire need of offensive firepower.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) echoed Kiper’s sentiment, naming Burden as the “perfect 2025 draft prospect” for Dallas in their recent analysis of ideal matches for each NFL team. This dual endorsement underscores Burden’s potential fit within the Cowboys’ system, particularly as they aim to reinvigorate their aerial attack.
Burden’s skill set—marked by exceptional route-running, agility, and playmaking ability—would provide an immediate boost to a Cowboys team looking to regain its offensive identity. The addition of a player of Burden’s caliber could not only complement CeeDee Lamb but also offer much-needed consistency and explosiveness to a receiving corps that struggled with injuries and underperformance in 2024.
As the draft draws closer, the Cowboys’ front office will undoubtedly face pressure to deliver a strong selection that addresses their most glaring weaknesses. If the early projections hold true, Luther Burden III may be the perfect answer to Dallas’ offensive woes and a cornerstone for their future success.
