Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton joins one of the best wide receiver groups in the NFL, and although it'll be tough to command targets, the 2024 third-round pick could see a healthy snap share in the slot. The Alabama product is reportedly working with former NFL wideout T.J. Houshmandzadeh in slot drills during his time off before training camp. Chris Roling of The Bengals Wire believes Burton is a candidate to start in three-wide sets alongside Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase right away. "The Bengals could really use Burton in the slot after Tyler Boyd left via free agency. Mike Gesicki will eat some of the snaps there and sophomores like Charlie Jones could, too," said Roling. "But given the universal steal praise the Bengals have received over the Burton pick, it's pretty clear he has the talent and ability to create mismatches from that spot, too." Burton posted 132 receptions for 2,376 yards and 22 touchdowns in two seasons and Georgia and two seasons at Alabama. He is an intriguing late-round option in fantasy football drafts, especially since he could see a value spike if Chase or Higgins have to miss any time during the 2024 campaign.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton has left a positive impression on the coaching staff despite being drafted less than two weeks ago. According to SI's Albert Breer, Burton has already shown the Bengals that he is a "competitive kid who has good ball skills and the explosiveness to separate from coverage in the NFL." Breer noted that Burton has worked through some off-the-field issues but has the talent needed to make an impact at the pro level. He's currently competing for the No. 3 receiver role behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Such a position on the depth chart was most recently occupied by Tyler Boyd. The Bengals would love to get production out of Burton in his first pro season, and as Breer points out, he could benefit from Chase and Higgins drawing away coverage.
Bengals Sign Erick All, Jermaine Burton To Rookie Deals
The Cincinnati Bengals signed rookie third-round wide receiver Jermaine Burton and rookie fourth-round tight end Erick All to their rookie deals on Tuesday. With Joe Burrow at quarterback and Tee Higgins potentially playing his last season with the Bengals in 2024, both first-year pass-catchers are on the fantasy football radar in redraft and dynasty leagues. In Burton's final two collegiate seasons at Alabama, he caught 79 passes for 1,475 yards and 15 touchdowns. With 4.45 speed, he could act as a field stretcher and start in three-wide sets right away in Zac Taylor's offense. All, who caught 21 passes for 299 yards and three touchdowns in Iowa's lifeless offense last year, will look to push Mike Gesicki for the TE1 job in his rookie campaign.
The Bengals selected Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton with the No. 80 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The 22-year-old began his collegiate career at Georgia. However, he played at Alabama in the last two seasons. During his time with the Crimson Tide, he totaled 79 catches for 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also averaged 20.5 yards per catch as a senior. It will be tough for anyone to get consistently involved offensively with Ja'Marr Chase and potentially Tee Higgins in the equation. However, If Burton gets snaps, he could flourish catching passes from Joe Burrow, one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League.
