Bengals rookie wideout pushing for serious playing time with a great start to camp

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.

“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.