Cincinnati Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin delivered a stern message to wide receiver Jermaine Burton regarding his future with the team and in the NFL. In a press conference ahead of the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Tobin was direct when discussing Burton’s performance and status with the organization.
What The Bengals Brass Want From Wide Receiver Jermaine Burton
A few weeks ago, Tobin was asked what Burton has done to deserve a spot on Cincinnati’s roster, and the Bengals executive gave a blunt response.
“He’s done nothing, and he’s going to have to start doing something quickly,” Tobin stated.
This frank assessment comes after Burton’s disappointing rookie season in which he managed only four catches for 107 yards in 14 games.
While speaking to the press at the NFL Scouting Combine, Tobin was asked once again about Burton and his future with the Bengals.
“He’s an immensely talented guy. We’re not giving up on him, but he’s gonna have to start showing it now — he’s gonna have to take the next step in his career…” Tobin said. “I like Jermaine… He’s gonna have to want it for himself more than I want it for him.”
Bengals Duke Tobin on WR Jermaine Burton future with the team :
“I can’t want it more for him then he wants it for himself . I like Jermaine we aren’t giving up on him “ pic.twitter.com/9Ql12LmK5r
— Malik Wright (@Wrightreportt) February 25, 2025
Cincinnati selected Burton in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the hope that he’d become a dynamic receiving weapon alongside stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. But, Burton’s debut year was plagued by on-the-field struggles and off-the-field issues.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide wideout missed a crucial Bengals walkthrough before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders, resulting in him being a healthy scratch.
In late December 2024, there were allegations of assault against him, but no charges filed. Also, Burton has been evicted twice in two months.
Tobin acknowledged the risks involved in drafting Burton, as these issues were evident prior to last year’s draft and some teams removed him from their board altogether.
“We knew we were taking a risk,” Tobin admitted. “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”.
In his final season with Alabama, Burton led the SEC in receiving yards per catch and was fourth in receiving touchdowns. His collegiate numbers never jumped off the page, but his upside was undeniable.
PFSN’s Ian Cummings made note of this in Burton’s pre-draft scouting report: “Meet the wild card of the loaded 2024 NFL Draft wide receiver class: Alabama’s Jermaine Burton — a former highly touted recruit who established himself as one of college football’s best deep threats.
“Purely off of film, Burton grades out as a top-64 prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and one of the more underrated prospects in the class. Character evaluations will play a large role in solidifying Burton’s stock, but if he doesn’t hold himself back, there’s little preventing him from being a dynamic receiving weapon.
Simply put, Burton has every athletic tool in the box. He’s hyper-explosive, an elite speed threat, extremely agile, energetic, and flexible in tight spaces — and he’s shown to have the spatial awareness, route-running IQ, deliberate motion, and bend to ruthlessly weaponize that athleticism in the separation phase.
“On top of the separation and RAC utility that comes with Burton, he’s also an instinctive catcher with stellar body control, hand-eye coordination, contortion freedom, and sideline awareness. For NFL teams, the biggest question surrounding Burton may be his character, mentality, and temperament. His growth as a player in 2023 is a very positive development, but effort, both as a secondary read and a blocker, could be more consistent.
Additionally, Burton’s temper has gotten the better of him in the past — most notably after a 2022 loss to Tennessee, when he struck a fan who was storming the field. Burton’s past struggles with temperament and effort unearth other questions: Is he coachable? Will he hold himself accountable? And will he be able to reach his ultimate ceiling? Those questions loom large for NFL teams.”
After Tobin’s comments, Burton now quickly finds himself in a precarious position. With his roster spot far from secure, Burton has to step it up.
If the Bengals can’t bring back Higgins, perhaps the window of opportunity opens up for Burton.
