Jermaine Burton

The Bengals used a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL to select Burton, a deep threat at both Georgia and Alabama who ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash at the combine. He topped 400 receiving yards in each of his four collegiate seasons, yet never reached 800 while mostly playing in run-first offenses. In Cincinnati, the rookie likely will have to settle for an opportunity to compete for the No. 3 receiver job. Ja'Marr Chase is back as the unquestioned No. 1, and the Bengals don't seem inclined to trade Tee Higgins even if contract negotiations remain at a standstill. If Burton wins the No. 3 job, he won't necessarily be slot-based the way Tyler Boyd was in recent seasons, as both Chase and Higgins are more than capable working inside. At 6-0, 196 pounds, Burton might fit better on the perimeter, where he can challenge defenses downfield without seeing a large number of targets. Any hope for considerable target volume probably entails Chase or Higgins missing time. Read Past Outlooks