The Bengals’ first of two third-round picks is a wide receiver.
With the 80th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals selected Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jermaine Burton. He becomes the third straight national championship winner that Cincinnati has drafted this year after taking Amarius Mims from Georgia and Kris Jenkins from Michigan.
The 6-foot, 196-pound Burton actually began his career at Georgia and was part of the Dawgs’ title-winning squad in 2022, then spent the next two seasons at Alabama as a more focal point of the offense.
In his two seasons with the Tide, Burton caught 79 balls for 1,475 yards and 15 touchdowns. Last season, he caught 39 passes for 798 yards and eight scores. He led the SEC in yards per reception (20.5). NFL.com aptly compares him to former NFL wideout Kenny Stills.
The Bengals needed to address their wide receiver depth with Tee Higgins likely gone within the next year, and Burton was one of the best wideouts still on the board.
The NFL Draft consensus big board had Burton ranked 95th overall, so not the best value at 80, but not a big reach either. Part of why he was projected lower was due to some character concerns, but there’s no questioning his on-field talent.
It’s a risk, but if Burton stays committed, he has special talent.
PFF’s Steve Palozzolo: I think Jermaine Burton is the 4th best WR in the draft class. He fell for off-field reasons, but he’s an awesome football player. He’s fast, can track the ball, catches everything, and came up big in big games.
Steve LOVES Burton, but mentions a lot of…
— Jake Liscow (@JakeLiscow) April 27, 2024
Bengals Draft Picks 2024
- Round 1 (18 ) – Georgia OT Amarius Mims
- Round 2 (49) – Michigan DT Kris Jenkins
- Round 3 (80) – Alabama WR Jermaine Burton
- Round 3 (97)
- Round 4 (115)
- Round 5 (149)
- Round 6 (194)
- Round 6 (214)
- Round 7 (224)
- Round 7 (237)
The Bengals’ remaining top draft needs are:
CB, OG/C, TE, DE
Day 2 NFL Draft schedule: 7 pm ET, Friday, April 26th, 2024
How do you view this pick? Sound off in the comments section!
Who DEY!