acquire a proven, game-changing receiver during the offseason, it’s possible the Packers could use their first-round pick on a wide receiver for the first time since 2002.
In a recent three-round mock draft, the Packers selected Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III in the first round. Burden’s college career saw him accumulate 192 receptions for 2,263 yards (averaging 11.8 yards per catch) and 21 touchdowns over three seasons. He also contributed 234 rushing yards (averaging 6.9 yards per rush) and averaged 10.5 yards per punt return, scoring one touchdown in that area.
Burden’s production declined in 2024, with his receptions dropping from 86 in 2023 for 1,212 yards (an average of 14.1 yards per catch) to 61 receptions for 676 yards (an 11.1-yard average). Despite this, he led the nation’s receivers by forcing 30 missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF).
Before the NFL Scouting Combine, draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah compared Burden to Stefon Diggs, describing him as a quick and athletic slot receiver with excellent hands and body control. Jeremiah noted Burden’s burst and ability to make defenders miss after the catch, although his reduced production in 2024 was attributed to a combination of poor passes and fewer opportunities.
At 6-foot, 206 pounds, Burden ran a 4.41-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared him to New York Jets receiver Garrett Wilson, with one scout saying Burden’s playing style resembled Jerry Jeudy, but with the hands and toughness of Amon-Ra St. Brown. The Packers chose Burden over other potential picks, including defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Walter Nolen, and Derrick Harmon, as well as receivers Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden.
In the second round, the Packers selected edge rusher Nic Scourton from Texas A&M. In 2023, Scourton led the Big Ten with 10 sacks and contributed 15 tackles for loss. His sack production dipped in 2024, with only five sacks and 14 TFLs, but his pass-rush win rate remained excellent, and he was strong against the run.
Standing at 6-foot-3¾ and weighing 257 pounds with 33-inch arms, Scourton did not participate in testing at the Scouting Combine. He played at 285 pounds in 2024. Zierlein compared him to Bengals star Trey Hendrickson, noting that Scourton’s size, demeanor, and pass-rushing ability gave him the potential to be a productive three-down starter on the edge.
Following Scourton’s selection, other edge-rushers like Princely Umanmielen, JT Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Bradyn Swinson were chosen shortly after, and cornerbacks Trey Amos and Benjamin Morrison were also still available.
In the third round, the Packers selected Virginia Tech cornerback Dorian Strong. In 2023, Strong allowed only nine completions on 33 targets, resulting in a passer rating of 11.8. His performance wasn’t quite as stellar in 2024, but he still performed well, with a 46.6 percent completion rate and a passer rating of 61.6.
PFF noted that although Strong had some weaknesses in press-man coverage and run defense near the line of scrimmage, he was a smart and competitive zone cornerback with a natural ability to disrupt passes and make plays at the catch point.
Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 185 pounds, Strong ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. While he acknowledged concerns about his weight, he expressed confidence in his abilities and competitive nature, believing those qualities would translate to the field.