Luther Burden’s Dream Quarterback Choice: Why Joe Burrow is the Perfect Fit

Missouri Tigers wide receiver Luther Burden III recently made headlines when he named Joe Burrow as the quarterback he would most love to play with. This choice surprised many fans and analysts, as Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen are often the top picks among young wideouts.
But Burden’s reasoning was clear:
“Joe just, he is going to try to give you an opportunity. If it’s fourth and short, he might just throw it, launch it. I mean, that’s what you want in a receiver. You want big plays.”
Burden’s comments highlight why Burrow is one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL today. His ability to deliver in clutch situations, his pinpoint accuracy, and his aggressive decision-making make him an ideal QB for any wide receiver looking to make big plays.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into why Burden wants to play with Burrow, how he would fit in Cincinnati’s offense, and whether this dream scenario could become a reality.
Why Luther Burden Picked Joe Burrow Over Mahomes and Jackson
When young receivers talk about their dream QBs, the usual suspects are Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, or Justin Herbert. These quarterbacks have powerful arms, dynamic playmaking abilities, and MVP credentials.
So why did Burden choose Burrow? Let’s break it down:
1. Burrow’s Elite Accuracy
Burrow is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL. His ability to place the ball perfectly for his receivers allows them to make plays without breaking stride.
- In the 2022 season, Burrow had a 68.3% completion rate, one of the best in the league.
- His deep-ball accuracy is among the best in the NFL, making him a dream QB for any receiver who thrives on big plays.
For a player like Burden, who excels at route running and creating separation, playing with an accurate QB like Burrow would allow him to maximize his talents.
2. Burrow’s Aggressiveness in Clutch Situations
Burden specifically mentioned Burrow’s ability to give his receivers a chance in crucial moments.
- Burrow has been one of the best fourth-quarter QBs in the league, consistently making big throws when the game is on the line.
- In his 2021 Super Bowl run, he led four game-winning drives in the playoffs, proving his ability to stay calm under pressure.
Burden wants to play with a quarterback who trusts his receivers in one-on-one situations and isn’t afraid to take risks—Burrow fits that description perfectly.
3. Proven Success with Star Wide Receivers
Burrow has already proven that he can elevate elite wide receivers. His chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins has turned the Bengals’ offense into one of the most dangerous in the league.
- In their first two seasons together, Chase and Burrow combined for 2,500+ yards and 22 touchdowns.
- Burrow and Higgins have also formed a deadly connection, with Higgins averaging over 1,000 yards per season when healthy.
Burden likely sees himself in the mold of Chase and Higgins—a dynamic playmaker who could thrive in Burrow’s system.
How Would Luther Burden Fit in the Bengals’ Offense?
If Burden were to join the Bengals, what role would he play? Let’s examine Cincinnati’s offensive scheme and how he would fit.
1. A Versatile Weapon for Burrow
Burden is known for his speed, crisp route running, and ability to create after the catch.
- He can line up outside or in the slot, making him a valuable asset in Cincinnati’s offense.
- Burrow loves to target receivers on quick slants and deep shots—both areas where Burden excels.
- His yards-after-catch (YAC) ability would add another dangerous element to the Bengals’ attack.
2. A Possible Replacement for Tee Higgins?
The Bengals have a tough decision to make with Tee Higgins, who is set to become a free agent. If they don’t extend him, they will need another playmaker to pair with Chase.
- Burden could slide into Higgins’ role as the WR2 in Cincinnati.
- With Burrow’s accuracy, Burden could develop into a star receiver in this system.
3. Adding Depth to an Already Elite WR Corps
If the Bengals keep Higgins and draft Burden, they would have:
✅ Ja’Marr Chase – The All-Pro deep threat and primary target.
✅ Tee Higgins – A physical, jump-ball receiver.
✅ Luther Burden – A dynamic slot/outside hybrid who can stretch defenses.
This trio would arguably be the best WR unit in the NFL, giving Burrow multiple weapons to attack defenses.
Could the Bengals Draft Luther Burden?
Now, the big question: Could this dream scenario actually happen?
1. Where is Burden Projected to Be Drafted?
Burden is considered one of the top wide receiver prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Some experts project him as:
- A top-15 pick if he continues to dominate at Missouri.
- A potential top-10 pick if he has an elite combine performance.
2. Will the Bengals Have a High Enough Draft Pick?
The Bengals are likely to be a playoff team, which means they will draft later in the first round.
- If Burden goes in the top 10, the Bengals may not have a chance to draft him.
- However, if he falls into the 15-25 range, Cincinnati could trade up to grab him.
3. Could the Bengals Lose Higgins and Draft Burden?
If the Bengals decide to move on from Tee Higgins, they could use their first-round pick on a young, cost-effective wide receiver like Burden.
This would allow them to:
- Save cap space by avoiding a massive contract for Higgins.
- Give Burrow another young weapon to grow with.
- Maintain a high-powered offense without overspending.
: Is Burden-to-Bengals a Realistic Possibility?
Luther Burden’s comments about wanting to play with Joe Burrow make perfect sense when you break it down.
- Burrow is an elite deep-ball thrower, incredibly accurate, and trusts his receivers in big moments.
- Burden’s skill set fits perfectly in Cincinnati’s offensive system.
- If the Bengals move on from Tee Higgins, Burden could be a natural replacement.
While Burden-to-Bengals isn’t guaranteed, it’s certainly a fun scenario to imagine. If Burden falls in the mid-first-round range, the Bengals could make a move to grab him and continue building one of the most dangerous passing attacks in the NFL.
Could we see Burrow-to-Burden touchdowns in the future? Only time will tell. But one thing is clear: Luther Burden knows exactly the kind of quarterback he wants throwing him the ball.
What Do You Think?
Would Luther Burden be a good fit for the Bengals? Should Cincinnati draft him if given the chance? Let us know your thoughts!