Patriots Expected to Snag Huge Steal with Drake Maye in NFL Draft
The New England Patriots are being predicted to make a significant steal by drafting wide receiver Luther Burden II in the second round of the NFL Draft.
While the Patriots may not be able to land Travis Hunter with the fourth overall pick—an unfortunate outcome given their need for another offensive weapon—the wide receiver class in this draft is deep, allowing New England to find a talented playmaker after Day
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. sees a major opportunity for the Patriots, projecting them to select Burden with the 38th overall pick in the second round.
“After strengthening the offensive line in Round 1 with Will Campbell, the Patriots could target playmakers on Day 2,” Kiper explained. “Burden’s numbers were down in 2024 compared to 2023—he went from 1,212 yards to 676—but he’s explosive and elusive with the ball. His skill set would complement newly signed Stefon Diggs.
Burden was once considered a potential top-10 pick heading into the 2024 season, but a disappointing year caused his stock to fall. However, it’s unclear whether Burden himself was the issue, or if Missouri’s overall offensive struggles, particularly at quarterback, contributed to his decline.
At just 21 years old, Burden is only two years removed from showcasing exceptional big-play potential, and a quarterback like Drake Maye could help tap into that talent in 2025.
If Burden is still available at No. 38 and the Patriots didn’t land Hunter in Round 1, it would be tough for them to pass on him. He clearly has the tools to succeed in the NFL and could end up being one of the biggest surprises in this year’s draft.
The Patriots will hope they get lucky and find Burden still on the board when Day 2 rolls around.