The Cincinnati Bengals were hopeful when they drafted Alabama speedster Jermaine Burton in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft that they were getting someone who could contribute as a rookie. Through the first few days of Bengals training camp, Burton is looking like someone who can be more than just a contributor.
Burton is off to a flying start, making difficult catches and consistently getting open all over the field.
All-Pro Ja’Marr Chase and steady vet Tee Higgins are the only truly established spots on the Bengals depth chart at wideout. Burton has a big chance to seize the next spot in the pecking order, though he’s in a tight camp competition with 2023 sixth-rounder Andre Iosivas for balls and reps, with Iosivas playing more in the slot.
Burton continues to make impressive catches all over the field. Snags like this are a great way to endear himself to QB Joe Burrow.
ALIEN INVASION 👽@JoeyB ➡️ @NASAMAINE3 pic.twitter.com/zpLncyS5zD
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) July 24, 2024
“Once he gets the offense down pat, guys are going to realize he’s a problem,” Higgins said of Burton after a recent practice.
Burton might not have a starting role with the standouts ahead of him, but he’s showing he can be ready to contribute a lot more than is typically expected of a third-round pick.