As the Tennessee Titans continue to reshape their roster for the future, one key area of focus is improving their receiving corps. For the Titans, an offense that has often leaned heavily on the running game and their star running back Derrick Henry, the need for a dynamic and consistent wide receiver is clear. Tennessee has shown flashes of promise on offense, but their passing game has struggled in recent years due to a lack of reliable playmakers on the outside. To truly compete in the modern NFL, the Titans need to make their offense more balanced and dynamic. With that in mind, one player who could help the Titans achieve this goal is Missouri wide receiver, Luther Burden III.
Burden, a standout player for the Missouri Tigers, has emerged as one of the top wide receivers in college football. He possesses a combination of speed, strength, and technical skill that has drawn attention from NFL scouts and analysts alike. The Titans have consistently struggled to find a true No. 1 wide receiver, and Burden could be the answer to their prayers. Here’s why the Titans should target Burden in the upcoming draft, and how his addition could elevate Tennessee’s offense for years to come.
One of Burden’s most notable attributes is his versatility. He has shown the ability to thrive both as a deep threat and in the short-to-intermediate game, making him a versatile weapon that could stretch the field and open up opportunities for other receivers and the running game. In his time at Missouri, Burden has been used in a variety of ways: as an outside receiver, in the slot, and even on jet sweeps. His ability to line up in different spots on the field would provide the Titans with the flexibility they need to diversify their offense and keep defenses guessing. This versatility would complement the Titans’ existing offensive weapons, especially Derrick Henry, by forcing defenses to account for another dynamic playmaker on the field.
Another aspect of Burden’s game that makes him an attractive target for Tennessee is his elite ability to create separation. In the modern NFL, wide receivers who can separate from defenders are essential for an effective passing game. Burden’s route-running skills and his quick burst off the line of scrimmage make him a challenge for any cornerback to cover. His ability to get open, whether through a sharp cut or by using his speed to outrun defenders, would help quarterback Ryan Tannehill (or any future quarterback) target a player who can make plays at all levels of the field.
Additionally, Burden’s hands are one of his strongest assets. Despite his ability to stretch the field with his speed, he is not just a deep threat. Burden has shown excellent concentration and the ability to make difficult catches in tight spaces, especially on contested balls. His ability to make catches in traffic or on difficult throws would be an asset to the Titans, who have seen inconsistent play at the wide receiver position in recent seasons. In particular, Tannehill would benefit from having a reliable target who can make difficult catches on third downs or in the red zone. Burden’s toughness and focus on the field would provide a much-needed safety net for the Titans’ quarterback, who has sometimes struggled to find a reliable receiver to trust on key plays.
In addition to his technical skills, Burden has the physical attributes that the Titans need to compete in the high-powered NFL passing game. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 215 pounds, Burden has the size to be a physical presence in the receiving game. He is strong enough to fight through jams at the line of scrimmage and make plays after the catch. This is a crucial trait for a team like the Titans, who will often face physical, hard-hitting defenses in the AFC South. Burden’s ability to absorb hits and continue to make plays would help him thrive in the Titans’ run-heavy offense, which often forces defenders to focus on stopping the run and not necessarily on covering downfield passes.
The Titans’ lack of a true No. 1 receiver has been a topic of discussion for several years. Players like A.J. Brown, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Julio Jones, who joined the team as a free agent, were both expected to be game-changing receivers. However, injuries and inconsistencies have plagued their time in Tennessee, leaving the Titans without a reliable top target. This is where Burden would be a major upgrade. As a proven playmaker at the college level, Burden has demonstrated the ability to perform under pressure. His ability to perform in big games and against top-tier competition would help bring immediate value to the Titans’ offense.
Another reason why Burden would be a great fit for the Titans is the current state of their roster. The Titans’ offense, led by Derrick Henry, is built around physicality and a strong running game. This scheme often opens up play-action opportunities, where a talented wide receiver who can stretch the field and create separation is invaluable. By adding Burden to the mix, the Titans would have a receiver who can take advantage of these play-action opportunities, while also providing a consistent option for Tannehill on third down. The pairing of Burden’s skills with Henry’s dominance in the backfield could make the Titans’ offense even more potent and difficult to defend.
Moreover, Burden would also bring a sense of excitement and youth to the Titans’ roster. While Tennessee has some talented players, the team has struggled with an aging roster in recent years. Burden, who is still in the early stages of his football career, would inject new energy and enthusiasm into the locker room and give the Titans a future star to build around. This infusion of youth would also be beneficial in the long term, as Burden could potentially develop into a top-tier NFL wide receiver who would serve as the centerpiece of Tennessee’s passing game for years to come.
The Titans’ front office has demonstrated a commitment to improving the roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. After several years of focusing on the defense, the team is now in a position to address its offensive needs. The Titans’ receiving corps is a glaring area in need of improvement, and Burden could be the ideal solution to help turn this unit into a more explosive and dynamic part of the offense. Given the team’s need for a young, talented wide receiver who can contribute immediately, Burden makes perfect sense as a target for the Titans in the upcoming draft.
While the Titans have other needs to address on the roster, adding a dynamic playmaker like Luther Burden III could be the difference-maker for this offense. With his size, speed, route-running, and ability to make plays in the clutch, Burden could provide the Titans with the playmaking ability they have lacked in recent seasons. As Tennessee looks to retool its offense and contend for a playoff spot in the future, Burden’s potential as a No. 1 receiver should make him one of the team’s top priorities in the draft.
In conclusion, the Tennessee Titans should strongly consider targeting Luther Burden III in the upcoming draft. His combination of physical traits, versatility, and playmaking ability makes him the ideal fit for a team looking to add a dynamic wide receiver to its roster. By drafting Burden, the Titans would not only improve their passing game, but they would also set themselves up for future success as they look to balance their offense and compete at the highest level in the AFC.