Bengals’ Receiver Named Top Potential Impact Rookie For 2024

The Cincinnati Bengals are known for their dynamic receiving duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, which may be the best tandem of pass-catchers in football.

However, along the way, the Bengals have also had a very dependable No. 3 option in Tyler Boyd, who departed for the Tennessee Titans via free agency.

Plus, there is the whole contract dispute with Higgins, who was franchise tagged by Cincinnati in free agency and has yet to sign a new deal with the club.

That could create a significant need at the wide receiver position for Cincy, but Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski thinks rookie wide out Jermaine Burton may be up for the challenge.

The Bengals selected Burton in the third round of the NFL Draft late last month, and the primary reason why he slept was because of concerns over his attitude.

No one is doubting his skill.

Burton is coming off of a 2023 campaign at Alabama in which he hauled in 39 receptions for 798 yards and eight touchdowns. That’s good for a robust average of 20.5 yards per catch.

The 22-year-old began his collegiate career at Georgia in 2020 and had a role right out of the gate, logging 27 catches for 404 yards and five scores. He posted similar numbers during his sophomore season, catching 26 passe for 497 yards while reaching the end zone five times.

Burton then transferred to Alabama, where he received a larger opportunity. In his debut campaign with the Crimson Tide in 2022, he snared 40 balls for 677 yards and seven touchdowns.

As great as the Bengals’ aerial attack has been the last several years, they could end up needing some help at the position behind Chase in 2024.

If that ends up being the case, Burton may end up being a significant piece for Cincinnati in its quest to make it back to the playoffs.

The Bengals went 9-8 in 2023, missing the postseason. Of course, there is a qualifier on that, as Cincy went nearly half the season without Joe Burrow, who was knocked out due to a wrist injury in Week 11.

We’ll see if Cincinnati can return to the playoffs in 2024. It won’t be easy, considering the Bengals may very well play in the NFL’s toughest division in the AFC North.