While many people anticipate Jameson Williams will eventually sign a large contract extension with the Detroit Lions, not everyone agrees. Paying Amon-Ra St. Brown top-tier money is already stretching the budget, and handing Williams another large contract may be too much. If Detroit’s executive team sees things the same way, they’ll need a backup plan. According to CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso, they may already have one in mind.
Lions Add Luther Burden to Mock Draft
Trapasso’s most recent three-round mock draft has the Lions selecting Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden in the first round. What’s the idea? Planning for life without Williams in the future. Burden’s numbers decreased slightly in 2024, with 61 receptions for 676 yards and six touchdowns, but that doesn’t tell the full tale.
“Don’t let Burden’s 2024 stats fool you — he’s a premier receiver prospect with upside galore,” says Trapasso.
Why Burden makes sense for Detroit.
In 2023, Burden was one of college football’s most explosive playmakers, catching 86 catches for 1,212 yards with nine touchdowns.
Throughout his college career, he had 192 receptions, 2,263 yards, and 21 touchdowns. He’s more than just speedy; he’s a slick route runner who can create plays after the catch.
Burden excelled at the NFL Combine, with a 4.41-second 40-yard sprint and a 1.54-second 10-yard split. At 6-foot and 206 pounds, he has the size, good hands, and quickness to become a leading outside target.
Looking ahead.
Detroit’s passing offense is already deadly with St. Brown and Williams, but nothing lasts forever in the NFL. Adding a player like Burden would help the Lions stay on track if Williams prices himself out of town. He might be a long-term player who keeps Detroit’s offense running for years to come.
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