The Bengals added depth to their passing game by selecting Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round with the 80th pick, aiming to enhance quarterback Joe Burrow’s downfield options.
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 196 pounds, Burton brings a track record of big plays from his time in the competitive SEC, boasting an impressive average of 18 yards per catch throughout his career at both Alabama and Georgia. His experience includes leading Georgia in receiving yards in 2021 before transferring to Alabama.
The announcement of Burton’s selection was made by T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a former Bengals receiver and Burton’s trainer, who expressed excitement at the prospect of Burton joining the Bengals’ receiving corps alongside standout talents like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Houshmandzadeh, who ranks fifth in Bengals history for receptions, enthusiastically shared his endorsement of Burton’s abilities, highlighting his explosiveness, toughness, speed, and improved route running. The potential combination of Burton and Chase promises to add a new dimension of explosiveness to the Bengals’ passing attack.
Burton is poised to compete for the third wide receiver spot on the Bengals roster, alongside Chase and Higgins, as well as other contenders like Trenton Irwin and last year’s draft picks Charlie Jones and Andrei Iosivas. Houshmandzadeh believes that Burton’s skill set could complement the talents of Chase and Higgins, especially if he can adapt to playing in the slot, a position vacated by Tyler Boyd.
Houshmandzadeh, who has been working closely with Burton on refining his game, plans to focus on developing Burton’s abilities in the slot in the coming weeks. Burton himself expressed gratitude for Houshmandzadeh’s guidance and mentorship, noting the impact of their relationship beyond football, touching on themes of maturity and personal growth.
With Houshmandzadeh’s expertise and Burton’s dedication, the Bengals hope to unlock the full potential of their newest addition to the receiving corps, further strengthening their offensive firepower for the upcoming season.
