The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Jermaine Burton last season as a high-upside pick in the third round. He had billings as a first round talent with some off-field issues.
Well, we saw far more off-field issues than talent, which left his status kind of up in the air this season. Head coach Zac Taylor thinks he is doing what he has been supposed to do so far.
“All he can handle is the present at this point,” Taylor told reporters Tuesday. “I think he’s done a good job of that this offseason. He’s been in the building. He’s in the building outside of work hours doing his own thing and rehabbing to get his body right. He has attacked practice the right way, and that is what you can control right now, so I appreciate that much.”
Burton looked like he would eventually get a bigger role once wide receiver Tee Higgins moved on, as it seemed unlikely the Bengals would retain him. However, the two sides reached a four-year deal this offseason. That leaves Burton to compete with Andrei Iosivas, Mike Gesicki, and a disastrous Charlie Jones for snaps out wide and in the slot.
Burton is a talented guy, but he isn't worth a headache with how the receiver room looks like now. It is good to hear some positive news about him considering how poor last season ended. Hopefully he can contribute in some way this season.
