Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton made a big impression during the preseason.
With Ja'Marr Chase still seeking a new deal and holding out of practice, the Alabama product made sure to take advantage of his reps. The rookie hauled in eight receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
Burton's performance has caught national attention. NFL Network's Bucky Brooks recently wrote an article listing rookies who showed "serious flashes" during the preseason, and Burton was included.
"The third-rounder has quickly settled into his role as a big-play specialist. Burton averaged almost 20 yards per catch (19.6) and scored a pair of touchdowns as a designated playmaker in the Bengals’ high-powered offense," Brooks wrote. "With defenses expected to utilize double-coverage tactics to neutralize Ja’Marr Chase -- assuming Chase and the team break through their contract impasse -- and Tee Higgins, the rookie could put up robust numbers as a downfield threat with a healthy Joe Burrow at the helm of the attack."
Burton began his college career at George, before transferring to Alabama in 2022. As a senior, he led the Crimson Tide in both receiving yards (798) and receiving touchdowns (eight), while averaging an explosive 20.5 yards per reception (sixth-highest in the nation).
The Bengals selected the wideout in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. On the' depth chart, he is listed as a backup wide receiver, behind Ja'Marr Chase.
With Chase's status unclear, Burton could see some significant game action early in the season. Otherwise, he should still have a situational role as a big play threat.
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