Bengals rookie watch 2024: Jermaine Burton vying for Joe Burrow’s attention
The Cincinnati Bengals made sure to get Joe Burrow another weapon in the 2024 NFL Draft. The question is whether Jermaine Burton can win over the new quarterback and be a factor immediately.
Selected with the No. 80 overall pick in the draft, the Alabama product will be one of the more interesting rookies to watch in the NFL. He didn’t put up the lofty numbers like some of the top receivers taken ahead of him, but he led the Crimson Tide with 798 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. In what was his best season as far as production, it seems Burton is just coming into his own as a receiver which will only magnify if he builds comfort with Burrow as his QB.
Another factor in Burton’s growth is having a playmaker like Ja’Marr Chase to learn behind. With Tee Higgins still in the mix, there won’t be a ton of pressure on the third-round pick, but the selection of Burton is more about the future in case Higgins is not in Cincinnati beyond 2024. In fact, if Burton progresses and exhibits the deep threat ability that made him so impressive in his final season at Alabama, the Bengals could afford to move on from Higgins sooner rather than later.
The early connection between Joe Burrow and Jermaine Burton
Burton got to work out with Burrow back in May as the star QB and rookie got a chance to get some reps in without Chase or Higgins in the mix. While Burton would’ve loved to work out with the star duo, it benefitted him as a first-year player to get his new quarterback to himself and find a little chemistry.
“It’s huge. That’s the man,” Burton said back in May. “I like learning how he likes certain things and details on certain routes. He does a really good job explaining how he wants it and how it should be. After him explaining things it’s a bit easier.”
Although Burton has been battling a minor ankle injury so far in training camp, he has been impressive in camp and has Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher “very happy” with the way he has approached the game and the attitude he has brought in learning the system. Above that is the way he is fitting in with the wide receiver group led by Chase and Higgins.
Next. Ravens rookie watch 2024: Can Devontez Walker emerge as Lamar Jackson’s deep threat?. Ravens rookie watch 2024: Can Devontez Walker emerge as Lamar Jackson’s deep threat?. dark
In all, given his ability as a receiver, Burton could be the team’s WR3 as the season moves forward and could play to level where the Bengals may find themselves contemplating trading Higgins. Of course, it all depends on the chemistry and trust Burton further builds with Burrow.
Can he win the star QB’s attention during the season and one the games count for real? Well, so far so good for the third-round pick out of Alabama.