Summary

Jermaine Burton arrived at the NFL with significant upside built on his production in college and his physical toolkit. At Georgia and then Alabama, he showed himself to be a deep-threat receiver who could stretch defenses and make big plays in the vertical game. For example, at Alabama in 2023 he averaged over 20 yards per catch.Alabama Athletics

Drafted by the Bengals in the third round in 2024 (pick 80), Burton enters a situation with opportunity to carve out a role behind established receivers. His ceiling is as a dynamic vertical weapon; his floor is more of a complementary receiver with big-play ability. He’ll need to refine parts of his game (such as consistency, route nuance, and blocking) to fully realize that ceiling.

Strengths

• Deep-threat speed & vertical ability: Several scouting reports highlight Burton’s ability to stretch the field, create separation deep, and make explosive catches.The 33rd Team

• Catching ball away from his frame, body control: His ball-tracking, hands, and ability to make contested or sideline catches are often praised.Steelers Depot

• Big-play production in college: At Alabama he averaged an impressive yards per catch (20.5 yards in 2023) which demonstrates his ability to generate chunk plays.Alabama Athletics

• Versatility in alignment / big receiver size for his role: While not huge, Burton has the physical profile to operate outside, and his blocking willingness and physicality add value beyond just receptions.247Sports

Weaknesses

• Underdeveloped route-running and transitions: While his vertical game is strong, scouting notes that his route-running details, transitional footwork, and fluidity could improve for consistent separation at the NFL level.NFL Draft Buzz

• Yards After Catch (YAC) & contested physical strength: Some evaluations mention his lack of elite strength to fight through contact and generate big YAC, particularly in the short and intermediate areas.Bleacher Report

• Consistent effort and maturity concerns: There are noted character / focus concerns from college that may linger as developmental points for team culture and consistency.

• Volumes/usage vs. elite competition: While productive in college, he did not dominate in volume in all phases relative to some other elite receivers, which means there may be more incremental growth needed.Big Blue View

Fit & Outlook

Jermaine Burton projects as a high-upside No.2 receiver or potentially a future No.1 in the right scheme, especially one that can use his vertical skills and big-play ability. He’s not expected to be a workhorse possession receiver immediately, but in a system that leverages his strengths—deep routes, contested catches, chunk-play potential—he could become a significant weapon.

For the Bengals, his immediate impact may come in situational roles (deep threats, verticals, specific packages) while he develops consistency and other parts of his game (blocking, route nuance, short-area explosion). If he improves in key areas and maintains focus, he has the potential to be a major contributor. If those improvements do not come or off-field/consistency issues persist, he may settle into a complementary role with big-play upside but fewer touches.