USA TODAY Sports' says this former Alabama player, NFL wide receiver must step up in 2025
It is likely no secret that the 2024 NFL season was a struggle at times for former Alabama Crimson Tide wideout Jermaine Burton.
Selected with the No. 80 overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NFL draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Burton did not necessarily have the type of season many expected the former Alabama wide receiver to have. That is because across 14 games, Burton only had a combined four receptions for 107 yards.
This was a far cry from what Burton showcased during his two seasons at Alabama as well, a span in which he had 79 receptions combined for 1,475 yards and 15 touchdowns. Burton also led the SEC with an average of 20.5 yards per reception in 2023, and averaged 26.8 yards a catch as a rookie.
Looking ahead to year two as well, according to USA TODAY Sports' Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, Burton is one-of-nine second-year NFL players who must step up for their respective teams' in 2025 coming off rough rookie seasons, saying of the former Alabama wideout:
"Third-rounders typically don't need to worry about their standing after just one year, even in the most trying circumstances. But while the Bengals didn't cut ties with Burton despite the receiver's disappointing rookie year culminating with him being left at home for the regular-season finale, it's clear massive changes are needed for a course correction."
'Nobody should be happy with it,' Burton said last week when asked about the benching. 'I was very disappointed, but it's something that I moved on from, and grew from, and can't wait, looking forward, really looking forward to this year.'
"With Andrei Iosivas having solidified his standing as the No. 3 receiver behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins while Mike Gesicki returns at tight end, any substantial offensive contributions are likely out of reach for Burton in the near future. What matters now is not just getting in coaches' good graces but staying there. While a spot as a backup should be secure given the Bengals' inaction in bringing in any outside competition this offseason, Burton is one of the few players who might stand to benefit from establishing a pattern of overall reliability rather than the flash plays he's already shown himself capable of."
A team with Super Bowl aspirations, it's clear that the 2025 season is a big one for the Bengals, as well as Burton, who will look to bounce-back from a rough rookie campaign.
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