When the Cincinnati Bengals selected Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they anticipated securing a hidden gem who could make an impact in the future. However, Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin now doubts that outcome. Initially, draft experts praised Burton’s skills, rating him as a potential first-round pick with the ability to be an immediate difference maker. Unfortunately, off-field issues during his time at Alabama caused him to drop in the draft, as many saw significant red flags regarding his selection.
Throughout the 2024 season, Burton struggled both on and off the field, managing only four receptions in 14 games. To compound matters, he was benched in the season finale following allegations of assault against a former girlfriend. This combination of poor performance and serious off-field controversies leaves Burton’s prospects in the NFL looking grim.
Tobin emphasized his concerns in an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer, stating that Burton has done “nothing” to earn a place on the roster for next season. “He’s done nothing, and he’s going to have to start doing something quickly,” Tobin said. “We knew we were taking a risk. We felt comfortable that we could help him through some of the challenges he’s had in the past, and we’re going to continue to try to help him. But this is professional football, and you have to take accountability, and you have to be accountable to your teammates, your coaches, and the team that you’re playing for, and he has to figure that out. He’s got to figure that out fast. He’s a very talented player, and we knew that there were risks in taking him. We knew there were rewards in taking him. We know what both of those are. We’re hoping for the rewards. We’re giving him the resources he needs to get to those rewards, but at the end of the day, you can’t want it more for somebody than they want it for themselves. And we’re hoping that Jermaine figures that out.”
While there’s a possibility that Burton could receive another opportunity at the beginning of the 2025 season, it’s clear that he is walking a tightrope with Duke Tobin.
