Cincy Jungle
The second-year wideout needs to show out in 2025 after a tumultuous rookie year.
We have a bit of an annual tradition that kicks off around this time of year. Once the first waves of free agency and the NFL Draft are in the rearview mirror, we turn our attention to identifying which Bengals players might be poised to take that all-important next step in their careers.
Here at Cincy Jungle and on our associated podcasts, we launch a recurring series each offseason titled “Potential Bengals Breakout Players.” It’s our way of forecasting which players could step into larger roles, show significant growth from the previous season, or otherwise emerge as key contributors in the upcoming year.
This isn’t just guesswork. It’s based on their likely increased responsibilities, glimpses of talent, and how they’ve been developing behind the scenes.
Building off that tradition, we’re rolling out a new companion series: “Make-or-Break Year.” This series spotlights Bengals players who are entering pivotal stretches in their careers—those who need to prove themselves now or risk fading from the team’s long-term plans.
These are players at a crossroads. Whether it’s due to inconsistent performance, off-field concerns, or simply needing to show growth, the next few months could be career-defining.
To kick off the series, we start with a talented but troubled player entering his second season.
The Bengals spent a high draft pick on wide receiver Jermaine Burton just a year ago. While his physical abilities are undeniable, his rookie season was overshadowed by inconsistency and questions about his discipline. Now, just one year into his NFL career, Burton faces significant pressure to turn things around.
If he can channel his potential and prove he’s a reliable piece of the offense, Burton has a chance to cement his place in Cincinnati’s future. If not, the team could start looking elsewhere.
Heading into the 2024 NFL Draft, Burton was viewed as a wide receiver with first-round talent. He showcased big-play ability during his final two seasons at Alabama, finishing with 15 total touchdown receptions from 2022 to 2023 and averaging 20.5 yards per catch as a senior.
However, despite his top-end talent, he received Day 2 grades due to a variety of concerns. Effort and attitude were among the primary red flags—issues that were publicly highlighted by Burton’s former coach, Nick Saban, who openly addressed them on national television after the Bengals selected him with the No. 80 overall pick.
A honeymoon phase between Burton and the Bengals began with his impressive performances during spring workouts. Buzz started building that the team had found a legitimate new No. 3 receiver, with Andrei Iosivas and Charlie Jones rounding out a talented group from top to bottom.
The preseason featured some highlight-reel plays from Burton, but also inconsistencies in his timing and connection with the quarterbacks. As the regular season approached, things gradually began to...
