Amon-Ra St. Brown has built a solid reputation for himself in his career after the USC Trojans. Even a predicted first-round pick views him as a source of motivation.
Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III mentioned two Detroit Lions players as wide receivers he admires and aspires to imitate. One was Jameson Williams, while the other is the USC icon St. Brown himself, Burden disclosed to Detroit News Lions reporter Nolan Bianchi at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Burden himself is equipped with a frame that closely resembles St. Brown. He measures six feet tall and weighs 206 pounds, offering a blend of instinctive route running and powerful hands. Lance Zierlein from the NFL Network praised Burden’s skills in his draft assessment.
Burden is a natural athlete on the field, showcasing above-average speed and impressive ball skills that allow him to achieve a high success rate,” Zierlein noted. “He short-circuits routes and takes plays off if he isn’t the top choice, but he is capable of separating and excelling at all three levels when given the chance.”
Zierlein noted how Missouri leveraged his abilities, but NFL teams might develop his game further.
“Missouri took advantage of Burden’s yards-after-catch ability with numerous short passes, but NFL teams are more likely to vary his role, utilizing his entire skill set and big-play capability,” Zierlein noted.
Burden faced the challenge of dealing with inconsistent quarterback performance during his tenure at Mizzou. Nonetheless, it is receiving considerable acclaim prior to the NFL Draft.
St. Brown entered the league showcasing impressive release techniques and excellent body control while making catches. Nonetheless, several scouts criticized his speed as he entered the league. Before being drafted, St. Brown received a label of “average starter.”
The 25-year-old has now been selected for the Pro Bowl three times since being picked in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He has emerged as a prominent figure for the Lions and Motor City — now motivating younger wide receivers like Burden.