What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

WR Jermaine Burton, CIN (1 Viewer)

If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
Maybe I am missing something, but these alleged character issues have me scratching my head. The only issue I could find googling Burton is an incident with a Tennesse fan after the game. He admitted his mistake, apologized for it and has not repeated it.

The only other thing that people seem to be calling a "character" issue is his multiple transfers in HS and college. This feels overblown to me. Here is a video that parrots my perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4x2H_tDo8
 
If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
I like his talent but unless you like 5% chances, I’ll disagree. Good risk reward for sure. I took him 3.07 in our SF.
Just to clarify when I said next year I meant after this following season, when I assume Tee is no longer there.
Understood, I just don’t think it’s likely that he’s top 20 even then. But I’ll take the chance with a 3rd.
 
While I definitely think the hype may have gotten a bit optimistic, where he's going in drafts I think he's still not overpriced.

Polk, McCaffrey, Franklin, this is the crew you are deciding over. I can see an argument for any of these guys, and I won't be surprised if he's better than Legette or Roman, who are well in front of him.

There's no bulletproof guys after the top 3.
 
If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
I like his talent but unless you like 5% chances, I’ll disagree. Good risk reward for sure. I took him 3.07 in our SF.
He’s been getting some good press lately. I could see a ceiling as top 20 next year, but only if he’s the next Higgins opposite Chase. There is a path to that.

Solid WR2-4 is probably a pretty reasonable expectation for the range of outcomes for 2024 production.

I grabbed him 3.02 in a 16 teamer, 34 overall.
There’s certainly a path to top 20. But I just can’t expect that from a player closer to #20 of the rookie wide receivers than overall.
understood, but he fell due to perceived off-field issues rather than a lack of talent.

He was also a bit underutilized in college. His ceiling in 2024 increases with a Chase or Higgins injury, but he’s probably more Tyler Boyd. 2025 is wide open.

I’m on board. Choo choo!
 
If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
Maybe I am missing something, but these alleged character issues have me scratching my head. The only issue I could find googling Burton is an incident with a Tennesse fan after the game. He admitted his mistake, apologized for it and has not repeated it.

The only other thing that people seem to be calling a "character" issue is his multiple transfers in HS and college. This feels overblown to me. Here is a video that parrots my perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4x2H_tDo8
That was the one, yes.
 
While I definitely think the hype may have gotten a bit optimistic, where he's going in drafts I think he's still not overpriced.

Polk, McCaffrey, Franklin, this is the crew you are deciding over. I can see an argument for any of these guys, and I won't be surprised if he's better than Legette or Roman, who are well in front of him.

There's no bulletproof guys after the top 3.
That was exactly how I saw it. For me it was Corley, Estime, Baker, Vidal, McCaffery, Ray Davis, Rattler.

Burton has a much higher potential ceiling than that group, and a safer floor/clear path to PT.
 
Burrow seems like a QB who can support 3, 1000 yard WR.

I like the cheap Burton price tag. Could easily see 600 yards and 4 TD earning more targets in the 2nd half of the season.
 
Burrow seems like a QB who can support 3, 1000 yard WR.

I like the cheap Burton price tag. Could easily see 600 yards and 4 TD earning more targets in the 2nd half of the season.
If he gets the Boyd role out the gate he could be good for even more.
 
I took him at 2.08 in a league i had 3 mid 2nd rounders.

I went Corley, Pearsal, and then Burton. With how i have my roster constructed it would end up a successful draft if one of them eventually becomes a WR 2 in fantasy for a few seasons and maybe 1 of them as a WR 3/flex type.

I see based on other ADP's I am fairly high on Burton compared to consensus, I am alright with that.
 
I took him at 2.08 in a league i had 3 mid 2nd rounders.

I went Corley, Pearsal, and then Burton. With how i have my roster constructed it would end up a successful draft if one of them eventually becomes a WR 2 in fantasy for a few seasons and maybe 1 of them as a WR 3/flex type.

I see based on other ADP's I am fairly high on Burton compared to consensus, I am alright with that.
It’s not as if the 2.08 is expensive. If he doesn’t work out, no big deal. It’s those spending a 1st on Coleman and Legette that should be worried.
 
If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
Maybe I am missing something, but these alleged character issues have me scratching my head. The only issue I could find googling Burton is an incident with a Tennesse fan after the game. He admitted his mistake, apologized for it and has not repeated it.

The only other thing that people seem to be calling a "character" issue is his multiple transfers in HS and college. This feels overblown to me. Here is a video that parrots my perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4x2H_tDo8
I looked into Burton a lot pre-combine and draft. The issues are more that no one had anything positive to say about him. Which coming into the combine and draft can be viewed as a flag in itself. Some bum who might not even get drafted will often get glowing reviews from former coaches, teachers, teammates, etc. "Hard worker, high intelligence, great locker room guy, lunch pail mentality" etc. etc. all that fluff. People want people they like to succeed and talk them up.

Not much of any of that happened for Burton. Reading between the lines, he rubbed everyone the wrong way and was likely just kind of a prick. People consider that a red flag. And the media needs something to talk about so it got insinuated it means he's "problematic" and has "character issues". Which could be 100% true. But, to me at least, you don't have to be nice to be good at your job.

In rookie drafts, and now in redrafts, I think his talent and his landing spot held against the fact he might be a jerk combined with his ADP make him a value. Considering his lack of off the field issues or things that could lead to actual suspensions and missing game time; I'm not overly concerned. And since the draft we've only really heard positive things from the Bengals. I'd imagine if he was still being an a-hole to everyone he meets we'd at least hear nothing. I wouldn't let the "character concerns" put you off on this guy IMO as it doesn't seem like anything beyond him not being a nice or likable guy. Most of Jordan's teammates thought he was a jerk too; sometimes that's just how uber-competitive people are. And again, his cost isn't so high that it really becomes much of a concern. He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow. Though I think if he shows out in preseason, his value will climb a bit.
 
If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
Maybe I am missing something, but these alleged character issues have me scratching my head. The only issue I could find googling Burton is an incident with a Tennesse fan after the game. He admitted his mistake, apologized for it and has not repeated it.

The only other thing that people seem to be calling a "character" issue is his multiple transfers in HS and college. This feels overblown to me. Here is a video that parrots my perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4x2H_tDo8
I looked into Burton a lot pre-combine and draft. The issues are more that no one had anything positive to say about him. Which coming into the combine and draft can be viewed as a flag in itself. Some bum who might not even get drafted will often get glowing reviews from former coaches, teachers, teammates, etc. "Hard worker, high intelligence, great locker room guy, lunch pail mentality" etc. etc. all that fluff. People want people they like to succeed and talk them up.

Not much of any of that happened for Burton. Reading between the lines, he rubbed everyone the wrong way and was likely just kind of a prick. People consider that a red flag. And the media needs something to talk about so it got insinuated it means he's "problematic" and has "character issues". Which could be 100% true. But, to me at least, you don't have to be nice to be good at your job.

In rookie drafts, and now in redrafts, I think his talent and his landing spot held against the fact he might be a jerk combined with his ADP make him a value. Considering his lack of off the field issues or things that could lead to actual suspensions and missing game time; I'm not overly concerned. And since the draft we've only really heard positive things from the Bengals. I'd imagine if he was still being an a-hole to everyone he meets we'd at least hear nothing. I wouldn't let the "character concerns" put you off on this guy IMO as it doesn't seem like anything beyond him not being a nice or likable guy. Most of Jordan's teammates thought he was a jerk too; sometimes that's just how uber-competitive people are. And again, his cost isn't so high that it really becomes much of a concern. He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow. Though I think if he shows out in preseason, his value will climb a bit.
T. J. Houshmandzadeh has been coaching Burton and has had only good things to say.
 
He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow
Boyd had a couple nice seasons, and Burton is reportedly more talented. Plus both Higgins & Chase have been dinged up over the years.

Burton could produce FF relevant numbers this season. There are a couple paths to this.

Certainly next year if he becomes the WR2.
 
He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow
Boyd had a couple nice seasons, and Burton is reportedly more talented. Plus both Higgins & Chase have been dinged up over the years.

Burton could produce FF relevant numbers this season. There are a couple paths to this.

Certainly next year if he becomes the WR2.
How is Burton more talented than Tyler Boyd? This isn't an attack on you, it's something I see everywhere in fantasy. I think it's a form of recency bias. Since Boyd is older or we've already seen who he is, people forget the quality of prospect he was. It seems each year, every new rookie is more talented than everyone who came before. It's just a little odd to me. Let's look at Burton vs Boyd

HS Recruiting
Burton 4 stars, Boyd 4 stars

College Production
Burton Averaged 600 and 5.5 TDs per year, Boyd averaged 1200 and 7 TDs per year

Athleticism
Burton 6'0" 196, 4.45, Boyd 6'1" 197 4.58

Age Starting NFL
Burton age 23, Boyd age 21

Draft
Burton 3.16, Boyd 2.24

So if by more talented people mean Burton is faster than yes, he's more talented. Burton would be hitting like the 95th percentile outcome for a 3rd round WR if he has the career Boyd has.
 

Jermaine Burton Prospect Analytical Profile​

Measurements

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 196
Positives:

  • Despite running a slower time than anticipated, Burton scored a 9.09 RAS, solidifying himself as a great athlete.
  • As I mentioned, Burton might be the best deep threat in the draft. Out of 143 prospects in my draft model, Burton scored the highest deep threat grade of everyone. 77% of Burton's career receiving yards were air yards, 2nd highest in the class. 60% were attributed as deep yards.
  • Burton had an insane 20.2 ADOT in 2023. Despite having one of the highest ADOTs seen from a prospect, Burton still caught an impressive 67% of his career targets.
  • Burton has the 3rd best drop rate in the WR class, dropping only 2% of his career targeted. That's only 4 drops on 197 career targets, including 0 in 2023.
  • Burton has the highest career yards per target of anyone in this year's draft class, including above guys like Nabers, Odunze, and MHJ.
  • While Burton's career YPRR is mediocre, he does have an impressive 2.46 YPRR vs Zone, good for 12th in the class.
  • Burton had an impressive career QBR when targeted of 125.94, 7th best in the class.
  • Despite being somewhat undersized, Burton still had a career contested target rate of 53%. That's better than Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., Keon Coleman, Adonai Mitchell, and Xavier Legette.
  • Burton has a Prospect Grade of 6.38 which is 7th best in the class and is in the ~76th percentile of overall prospects. He graded out most similarly to George Pickens (6.49), Deebo Samuel (6.48), Jordan Addison (6.47), Drake London (6.46), Jalin Hyatt (6.45), DK Metcalf (6.41), Treylon Burks (6.37), and Rashod Bateman (6.31).
Negatives:

  • Burton had a mediocre 2.18 career YPRR. Not too concerning, but far from impressive.
  • Burton struggled against man in college. He had a Career YPRR of only 1.73 vs man and in 2023 he had a PFF grade of 68.5 vs man. While I don't hold too much weight in how a prospect performs against man, it is noteworthy.
  • Burton is an older prospect who will be 23 years old at the start of the season. He also had a late breakout age of 22.2 which is 14th percentile which might be the most concerning data point in his analytical profile.
  • Burton's overall production profile is far from impressive in which he never broke even 800 yards in a season.
  • Burton has a low avoided tackle rate of only 8% which is 3rd worst in the draft class.This could be attributed to his high ADOT and not having the opportunity to make people miss in the open field. Burton also had only 1 screen catch in 2023 which went for only 2 years, so he's not a YAC threat.
 
He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow
Boyd had a couple nice seasons, and Burton is reportedly more talented. Plus both Higgins & Chase have been dinged up over the years.

Burton could produce FF relevant numbers this season. There are a couple paths to this.

Certainly next year if he becomes the WR2.
How is Burton more talented than Tyler Boyd? This isn't an attack on you, it's something I see everywhere in fantasy. I think it's a form of recency bias. Since Boyd is older or we've already seen who he is, people forget the quality of prospect he was. It seems each year, every new rookie is more talented than everyone who came before. It's just a little odd to me. Let's look at Burton vs Boyd

HS Recruiting
Burton 4 stars, Boyd 4 stars

College Production
Burton Averaged 600 and 5.5 TDs per year, Boyd averaged 1200 and 7 TDs per year

Athleticism
Burton 6'0" 196, 4.45, Boyd 6'1" 197 4.58

Age Starting NFL
Burton age 23, Boyd age 21

Draft
Burton 3.16, Boyd 2.24

So if by more talented people mean Burton is faster than yes, he's more talented. Burton would be hitting like the 95th percentile outcome for a 3rd round WR if he has the career Boyd has.

Agreed...Boyd was never a stud but Cincy more than got their bang-for-the-buck with using a #2 on him...here are his career #'s...if Burton comes close to this as a 3rd-round pick he will have done very well for himself:

 
He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow
Boyd had a couple nice seasons, and Burton is reportedly more talented. Plus both Higgins & Chase have been dinged up over the years.

Burton could produce FF relevant numbers this season. There are a couple paths to this.

Certainly next year if he becomes the WR2.
How is Burton more talented than Tyler Boyd? This isn't an attack on you, it's something I see everywhere in fantasy. I think it's a form of recency bias. Since Boyd is older or we've already seen who he is, people forget the quality of prospect he was. It seems each year, every new rookie is more talented than everyone who came before. It's just a little odd to me. Let's look at Burton vs Boyd

HS Recruiting
Burton 4 stars, Boyd 4 stars

College Production
Burton Averaged 600 and 5.5 TDs per year, Boyd averaged 1200 and 7 TDs per year

Athleticism
Burton 6'0" 196, 4.45, Boyd 6'1" 197 4.58

Age Starting NFL
Burton age 23, Boyd age 21

Draft
Burton 3.16, Boyd 2.24

So if by more talented people mean Burton is faster than yes, he's more talented. Burton would be hitting like the 95th percentile outcome for a 3rd round WR if he has the career Boyd has.

Agreed...Boyd was never a stud but Cincy more than got their bang-for-the-buck with using a #2 on him...here are his career #'s...if Burton comes close to this as a 3rd-round pick he will have done very well for himself:

Absolutely. How many WRs drafted each year ever have a 1000 yard season? Boyd has 2. How many players at any position have an 8+ year career? 6000 career receiving yards is a major accomplishment. Of the 32 WRs drafted in the 2016 NFL WR draft class, I believe Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill are the only players with more receiving yards.
 
Last edited:
He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow
Boyd had a couple nice seasons, and Burton is reportedly more talented. Plus both Higgins & Chase have been dinged up over the years.

Burton could produce FF relevant numbers this season. There are a couple paths to this.

Certainly next year if he becomes the WR2.
How is Burton more talented than Tyler Boyd? This isn't an attack on you, it's something I see everywhere in fantasy. I think it's a form of recency bias. Since Boyd is older or we've already seen who he is, people forget the quality of prospect he was. It seems each year, every new rookie is more talented than everyone who came before. It's just a little odd to me. Let's look at Burton vs Boyd

HS Recruiting
Burton 4 stars, Boyd 4 stars

College Production
Burton Averaged 600 and 5.5 TDs per year, Boyd averaged 1200 and 7 TDs per year

Athleticism
Burton 6'0" 196, 4.45, Boyd 6'1" 197 4.58

Age Starting NFL
Burton age 23, Boyd age 21

Draft
Burton 3.16, Boyd 2.24

So if by more talented people mean Burton is faster than yes, he's more talented. Burton would be hitting like the 95th percentile outcome for a 3rd round WR if he has the career Boyd has.

Agreed...Boyd was never a stud but Cincy more than got their bang-for-the-buck with using a #2 on him...here are his career #'s...if Burton comes close to this as a 3rd-round pick he will have done very well for himself:

Absolutely. How many WRs drafted each year ever have a 1000 yard season? Boyd has 2. How many players at any position have an 8+ year career? 6000 career receiving yards is a major accomplishment. Of the 32 WRs drafted in the 2014 NFL WR draft class, I believe Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill are the only players with more receiving yards.
For correction, Tyler Boyd was part of the 31 WRs drafted in the 2016 class, which ended up being one of the worst performing WR classes in recent memory. Should also note that only 9 WR’s in total were drafted by the end of Day 2, the lowest number since the 1999 class. Boyd’s had a great and productive career for himself but comparing him to the rest of his draft class is more an indictment on the lack of quality of his class than it is an endorsement of his standout performance. That 2014 class you mentioned had some interesting names: Mike Evans, Davante Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks, Jarvis Landry, Allen Robinson. If he managed to be third in receiving yards amongst that group, now that would be something.
 
He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow
Boyd had a couple nice seasons, and Burton is reportedly more talented. Plus both Higgins & Chase have been dinged up over the years.

Burton could produce FF relevant numbers this season. There are a couple paths to this.

Certainly next year if he becomes the WR2.
How is Burton more talented than Tyler Boyd? This isn't an attack on you, it's something I see everywhere in fantasy. I think it's a form of recency bias. Since Boyd is older or we've already seen who he is, people forget the quality of prospect he was. It seems each year, every new rookie is more talented than everyone who came before. It's just a little odd to me. Let's look at Burton vs Boyd

HS Recruiting
Burton 4 stars, Boyd 4 stars

College Production
Burton Averaged 600 and 5.5 TDs per year, Boyd averaged 1200 and 7 TDs per year

Athleticism
Burton 6'0" 196, 4.45, Boyd 6'1" 197 4.58

Age Starting NFL
Burton age 23, Boyd age 21

Draft
Burton 3.16, Boyd 2.24

So if by more talented people mean Burton is faster than yes, he's more talented. Burton would be hitting like the 95th percentile outcome for a 3rd round WR if he has the career Boyd has.

Agreed...Boyd was never a stud but Cincy more than got their bang-for-the-buck with using a #2 on him...here are his career #'s...if Burton comes close to this as a 3rd-round pick he will have done very well for himself:

Absolutely. How many WRs drafted each year ever have a 1000 yard season? Boyd has 2. How many players at any position have an 8+ year career? 6000 career receiving yards is a major accomplishment. Of the 32 WRs drafted in the 2014 NFL WR draft class, I believe Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill are the only players with more receiving yards.
For correction, Tyler Boyd was part of the 31 WRs drafted in the 2016 class, which ended up being one of the worst performing WR classes in recent memory. Should also note that only 9 WR’s in total were drafted by the end of Day 2, the lowest number since the 1999 class. Boyd’s had a great and productive career for himself but comparing him to the rest of his draft class is more an indictment on the lack of quality of his class than it is an endorsement of his standout performance. That 2014 class you mentioned had some interesting names: Mike Evans, Davante Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks, Jarvis Landry, Allen Robinson. If he managed to be third in receiving yards amongst that group, now that would be something.
Good catch on my typo. Wasn’t a great class in 2016 but 2014 was also once in a generation. Boyd is top 25 for active players in receptions and receiving yards so there aren’t many players period with more yards than him from any class. He’s had a long steady career.

To bring it back to Burton, interesting prospect with kind of an odd profile but he landed in a great situation.
 
He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow
Boyd had a couple nice seasons, and Burton is reportedly more talented. Plus both Higgins & Chase have been dinged up over the years.

Burton could produce FF relevant numbers this season. There are a couple paths to this.

Certainly next year if he becomes the WR2.
How is Burton more talented than Tyler Boyd? This isn't an attack on you, it's something I see everywhere in fantasy. I think it's a form of recency bias. Since Boyd is older or we've already seen who he is, people forget the quality of prospect he was. It seems each year, every new rookie is more talented than everyone who came before. It's just a little odd to me. Let's look at Burton vs Boyd

HS Recruiting
Burton 4 stars, Boyd 4 stars

College Production
Burton Averaged 600 and 5.5 TDs per year, Boyd averaged 1200 and 7 TDs per year

Athleticism
Burton 6'0" 196, 4.45, Boyd 6'1" 197 4.58

Age Starting NFL
Burton age 23, Boyd age 21

Draft
Burton 3.16, Boyd 2.24

So if by more talented people mean Burton is faster than yes, he's more talented. Burton would be hitting like the 95th percentile outcome for a 3rd round WR if he has the career Boyd has.

Agreed...Boyd was never a stud but Cincy more than got their bang-for-the-buck with using a #2 on him...here are his career #'s...if Burton comes close to this as a 3rd-round pick he will have done very well for himself:

Absolutely. How many WRs drafted each year ever have a 1000 yard season? Boyd has 2. How many players at any position have an 8+ year career? 6000 career receiving yards is a major accomplishment. Of the 32 WRs drafted in the 2014 NFL WR draft class, I believe Michael Thomas and Tyreek Hill are the only players with more receiving yards.
For correction, Tyler Boyd was part of the 31 WRs drafted in the 2016 class, which ended up being one of the worst performing WR classes in recent memory. Should also note that only 9 WR’s in total were drafted by the end of Day 2, the lowest number since the 1999 class. Boyd’s had a great and productive career for himself but comparing him to the rest of his draft class is more an indictment on the lack of quality of his class than it is an endorsement of his standout performance. That 2014 class you mentioned had some interesting names: Mike Evans, Davante Adams, Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks, Jarvis Landry, Allen Robinson. If he managed to be third in receiving yards amongst that group, now that would be something.
Good catch on my typo. Wasn’t a great class in 2016 but 2014 was also once in a generation. Boyd is top 25 for active players in receptions and receiving yards so there aren’t many players period with more yards than him from any class. He’s had a long steady career.

To bring it back to Burton, interesting prospect with kind of an odd profile but he landed in a great situation.
Of all active players at any position currently signed to teams, Boyd is 19th in career receiving yards. If Burton can achieve that then he’ll have done very well for himself.
 

Jermaine Burton Prospect Analytical Profile​

Measurements

  • Height: 6-0
  • Weight: 196
Positives:

  • Despite running a slower time than anticipated, Burton scored a 9.09 RAS, solidifying himself as a great athlete.
  • As I mentioned, Burton might be the best deep threat in the draft. Out of 143 prospects in my draft model, Burton scored the highest deep threat grade of everyone. 77% of Burton's career receiving yards were air yards, 2nd highest in the class. 60% were attributed as deep yards.
  • Burton had an insane 20.2 ADOT in 2023. Despite having one of the highest ADOTs seen from a prospect, Burton still caught an impressive 67% of his career targets.
  • Burton has the 3rd best drop rate in the WR class, dropping only 2% of his career targeted. That's only 4 drops on 197 career targets, including 0 in 2023.
  • Burton has the highest career yards per target of anyone in this year's draft class, including above guys like Nabers, Odunze, and MHJ.
  • While Burton's career YPRR is mediocre, he does have an impressive 2.46 YPRR vs Zone, good for 12th in the class.
  • Burton had an impressive career QBR when targeted of 125.94, 7th best in the class.
  • Despite being somewhat undersized, Burton still had a career contested target rate of 53%. That's better than Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., Keon Coleman, Adonai Mitchell, and Xavier Legette.
  • Burton has a Prospect Grade of 6.38 which is 7th best in the class and is in the ~76th percentile of overall prospects. He graded out most similarly to George Pickens (6.49), Deebo Samuel (6.48), Jordan Addison (6.47), Drake London (6.46), Jalin Hyatt (6.45), DK Metcalf (6.41), Treylon Burks (6.37), and Rashod Bateman (6.31).
Negatives:

  • Burton had a mediocre 2.18 career YPRR. Not too concerning, but far from impressive.
  • Burton struggled against man in college. He had a Career YPRR of only 1.73 vs man and in 2023 he had a PFF grade of 68.5 vs man. While I don't hold too much weight in how a prospect performs against man, it is noteworthy.
  • Burton is an older prospect who will be 23 years old at the start of the season. He also had a late breakout age of 22.2 which is 14th percentile which might be the most concerning data point in his analytical profile.
  • Burton's overall production profile is far from impressive in which he never broke even 800 yards in a season.
  • Burton has a low avoided tackle rate of only 8% which is 3rd worst in the draft class.This could be attributed to his high ADOT and not having the opportunity to make people miss in the open field. Burton also had only 1 screen catch in 2023 which went for only 2 years, so he's not a YAC threat.

Thank you.

His skill set somewhat the opposite of Boyd who was a very good slot WR in college and the pros.
 
If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
Maybe I am missing something, but these alleged character issues have me scratching my head. The only issue I could find googling Burton is an incident with a Tennesse fan after the game. He admitted his mistake, apologized for it and has not repeated it.

The only other thing that people seem to be calling a "character" issue is his multiple transfers in HS and college. This feels overblown to me. Here is a video that parrots my perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4x2H_tDo8
I looked into Burton a lot pre-combine and draft. The issues are more that no one had anything positive to say about him. Which coming into the combine and draft can be viewed as a flag in itself. Some bum who might not even get drafted will often get glowing reviews from former coaches, teachers, teammates, etc. "Hard worker, high intelligence, great locker room guy, lunch pail mentality" etc. etc. all that fluff. People want people they like to succeed and talk them up.

Not much of any of that happened for Burton. Reading between the lines, he rubbed everyone the wrong way and was likely just kind of a prick. People consider that a red flag. And the media needs something to talk about so it got insinuated it means he's "problematic" and has "character issues". Which could be 100% true. But, to me at least, you don't have to be nice to be good at your job.

In rookie drafts, and now in redrafts, I think his talent and his landing spot held against the fact he might be a jerk combined with his ADP make him a value. Considering his lack of off the field issues or things that could lead to actual suspensions and missing game time; I'm not overly concerned. And since the draft we've only really heard positive things from the Bengals. I'd imagine if he was still being an a-hole to everyone he meets we'd at least hear nothing. I wouldn't let the "character concerns" put you off on this guy IMO as it doesn't seem like anything beyond him not being a nice or likable guy. Most of Jordan's teammates thought he was a jerk too; sometimes that's just how uber-competitive people are. And again, his cost isn't so high that it really becomes much of a concern. He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow. Though I think if he shows out in preseason, his value will climb a bit.
T. J. Houshmandzadeh has been coaching Burton and has had only good things to say.
I don't wanna rain on your parade (I truthfully know nothing about Burton).

BUT, TJ Housh also gushed about the only other NFL WR prospect I know he coached....Chase Claypool.
 
If he can keep his head on straight I like his chances to be a top 20 WR next year.
Maybe I am missing something, but these alleged character issues have me scratching my head. The only issue I could find googling Burton is an incident with a Tennesse fan after the game. He admitted his mistake, apologized for it and has not repeated it.

The only other thing that people seem to be calling a "character" issue is his multiple transfers in HS and college. This feels overblown to me. Here is a video that parrots my perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4x2H_tDo8
I looked into Burton a lot pre-combine and draft. The issues are more that no one had anything positive to say about him. Which coming into the combine and draft can be viewed as a flag in itself. Some bum who might not even get drafted will often get glowing reviews from former coaches, teachers, teammates, etc. "Hard worker, high intelligence, great locker room guy, lunch pail mentality" etc. etc. all that fluff. People want people they like to succeed and talk them up.

Not much of any of that happened for Burton. Reading between the lines, he rubbed everyone the wrong way and was likely just kind of a prick. People consider that a red flag. And the media needs something to talk about so it got insinuated it means he's "problematic" and has "character issues". Which could be 100% true. But, to me at least, you don't have to be nice to be good at your job.

In rookie drafts, and now in redrafts, I think his talent and his landing spot held against the fact he might be a jerk combined with his ADP make him a value. Considering his lack of off the field issues or things that could lead to actual suspensions and missing game time; I'm not overly concerned. And since the draft we've only really heard positive things from the Bengals. I'd imagine if he was still being an a-hole to everyone he meets we'd at least hear nothing. I wouldn't let the "character concerns" put you off on this guy IMO as it doesn't seem like anything beyond him not being a nice or likable guy. Most of Jordan's teammates thought he was a jerk too; sometimes that's just how uber-competitive people are. And again, his cost isn't so high that it really becomes much of a concern. He'll likely have to wait until Higgins is gone to really become fantasy relevant anyhow. Though I think if he shows out in preseason, his value will climb a bit.
T. J. Houshmandzadeh has been coaching Burton and has had only good things to say.
I don't wanna rain on your parade (I truthfully know nothing about Burton).

BUT, TJ Housh also gushed about the only other NFL WR prospect I know he coached....Chase Claypool.
I'm sure he will kill it this year for the Bills. Team context.
 
@32BeatWriters
“The Bengals could really use Burton in the slot after Tyler Boyd left via free agency. Mike Gesicki will eat some of the snaps there and sophomores like Charlie Jones could, too.

But given the universal steal praise the Bengals have received over the Burton pick, it’s pretty clear he has the talent and ability to create mismatches from that spot, too.”
 
Jordan Schultz
Good news on #Bengals rookie WR Jermaine Burton: I’m told the former Alabama star and 3rd-round pick suffered only an “ankle tweak” and left practice merely as a precaution. “He’ll be fine,” said a source.
 
:oldunsure:

Burton caught his 3 passes on the Bengals 9th, 10th and 11th possessions - all in the 4th quarter.

From a third string QB who was a 7th rounder in 2019 and has never thrown a pass in the regular season.

Being guarded by a UDFA rookie who played 45 games at something called Ouachita Baptist.

🚀

Skies the limit with this guy, eh.



Burrow played the 1st series and completed passes to Higgins, Brown, Irwin, Iosivas, and the TD to Tee.

Browning the 2nd through the 8th series; on the Bengals 25th PA (his last), he targeted Burton on a screen that was incomplete.

Burton played zero snaps in the first half.



Bottom line - he made the most of his opportunity, which is all you can ask of a young player with something to prove.

That should get him moved up from 3rd string.

No need to rehash stuff we've already discussed, there's a lot to like about him if he can stay focused.
 
@32BeatWriters
👍🏼 WR Jermaine Burton

“The third-round rookie was surprisingly relegated to the third-string receiver group and logged only five snaps through the first three quarters. He’s endured standard rookie receiver struggles in camp, but expectations have still been sky-high since he was selected No. 80 out of Alabama.

Why couldn’t he crack the two-deep rotation?
Coach Zac Taylor said it was less about Burton than the fact that the second-string offense couldn’t get anything going.

That answer might not matter after Burton’s performance in the fourth quarter. “
 
@32BeatWriters
👍🏼 WR Jermaine Burton

“The third-round rookie was surprisingly relegated to the third-string receiver group and logged only five snaps through the first three quarters. He’s endured standard rookie receiver struggles in camp, but expectations have still been sky-high since he was selected No. 80 out of Alabama.

Why couldn’t he crack the two-deep rotation?
Coach Zac Taylor said it was less about Burton than the fact that the second-string offense couldn’t get anything going.

That answer might not matter after Burton’s performance in the fourth quarter. “
This is 100% supposition on my part; but I think at least part of this is he's being tested. He had a reputation as a hot head, bad attitude, me first kind of guy. I don't think it's crazy that Zac Taylor is attempting to push some buttons, "motivate" him, etc. Because talent wise, it's pretty crazy to have him running with the third stringers otherwise IMO.
 
@32BeatWriters
“Jermaine Burton managed only five snaps through the first three quarters on Saturday, a surprise considering the third-rounder’s hype and need for experience. He’s still a work in progress, something that’s been evident during practices, but his potential was clear in the fourth quarter. It feels unlikely he’ll crack the starting rotation to begin the season — he entered behind three receivers expected to be cut and needs to earn Burrow’s trust — but you could see a sub package of plays for him that gradually increases.”
 
Terrific talent though he’s been playing deep into the 4th quarter all preseason which is a bad sign for projecting his spot on the depth chart. Chase, Higgins, Iosivas, and Irwin all got the starter treatment and sat. May very well be WR5 on his own team to start the year. I can only assume he still needs a lot of coaching up. Bengals have a lot of good young talent in that receiving room including Burton. I’m high on him long-term. Will probably just tease with flashes of brilliance this season but hard to see any consistent work barring injuries. More of a 2025 guy but I’d be tempted to stash him at the end of a deep bench and see what happens.
 
Last edited:
Terrific talent though he’s been playing deep into the 4th quarter all preseason which is a bad sign for projecting his spot on the depth chart. Chase, Higgins, Iosivas, and Irwin all got the starter treatment and sat. May very well be WR5 on his own team to start the year. I can only assume he still needs a lot of coaching up. Bengals have a lot of good young talent in that receiving room including Burton. I’m high on him long-term. Will probably just tease with flashes of brilliance this season but hard to see any consistent work barring injuries. More of a 2025 guy but I’d be tempted to stash him at the end of a deep bench and see what happens.
I'm still in a keeper league I can't convince to transition to dynasty and he will def be on my board as a late round grab and stash with hopes of a big value jump next year when they let Higgins walk.
 
Derek Brown
Just watched all of Jermaine Burton’s preszn routes & he is gonna be GOOD

Among 122 qual WRs (per PFF)

3rd in rec grade

5th YPRR (3.74)

Good deaccel at the top of his stem.

Open a TON.

Earning early & late separation. Can get physical in route if needed. Nice in route nuance (got corners to bite on some double moves and jab steps) Noice ball tracking on some go routes.

He was STRONG at the catch point.
(Had a NICE back shoulder catch)

Iosivas will start over him in the slot and is a good fit as an underneath weapon in that role BUT Burton is the better player. Burton will flash when given opps.

Trade for him where you can in Dynasty.
 
Derek Brown
Just watched all of Jermaine Burton’s preszn routes & he is gonna be GOOD

Among 122 qual WRs (per PFF)

3rd in rec grade

5th YPRR (3.74)

Good deaccel at the top of his stem.

Open a TON.

Earning early & late separation. Can get physical in route if needed. Nice in route nuance (got corners to bite on some double moves and jab steps) Noice ball tracking on some go routes.

He was STRONG at the catch point.
(Had a NICE back shoulder catch)

Iosivas will start over him in the slot and is a good fit as an underneath weapon in that role BUT Burton is the better player. Burton will flash when given opps.

Trade for him where you can in Dynasty.
Love seeing that.
 
12 WR’s were taken ahead of Burton in the NFL Draft. On pure ability alone, I’m comfortable saying he’s better than at least half of them. I have him as WR5 in that regard, for his elite ball tracking ability and being able to beat both press and man coverages at all levels. Imagine if he were the 5th WR drafted and went to the Chiefs. That would be unfair pairing him with Mahomes.

But the Chiefs didn’t take that risk and they went with Worthy instead, a terrific prospect in his own right. It’s worth mentioning considering the Chiefs have had no qualms with bringing in talented players with off-field red flags. But Burton’s attitude seems to be a screaming bright red flag. In fairness it is a deep WR class and it seems like the safer thing was to take comparable WR talents who didn’t have the baggage.

That all being said, he seems to be in the doghouse early on (no surprise) so don’t expect much from him early in the season. I don’t doubt in his talent though, and if he gets the opportunity to play, look out. Even a regular WR3 role would be flex worthy.
 
That all being said, he seems to be in the doghouse early on (no surprise) so don’t expect much from him early in the season. I don’t doubt in his talent though, and if he gets the opportunity to play, look out. Even a regular WR3 role would be flex worthy.
I see him less as “in the doghouse” and more “Iosivas is the incumbent, and has also shown well at camp”

Higgins is gone next year. Burton should get some PT this year and looks better suited to playing outside in the Higgins role.

Burton could prove to be an excellent buy-low for the patient dynasty manager.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top