FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ladd McConkey
Jermaine Burton (WR – Alabama)
6’0″ – 194 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who originally attended Georgia. Caught 27-404-3 (15.0) as a true freshman, then 26-497-5 (19.1) the following year before transferring to Alabama. In his first year with the Tide, put together a line of 40-677-7 (16.9), then recorded 39-798-8 (20.5) this year to conclude his collegiate career.
Positives:
Productive four-year contributor for two of college football’s top programs, with escalating output. Typically lines up as a flanker, but takes some snaps out of the slot too. Simple, efficient releases at the line against press. Long-strider who eats up cushions quickly and has established himself as a legitimate deep threat; average depth of target is close to seventeen yards over his career, and was over twenty this season. Has the ability to blow past flat-footed corners, and speed creates easy throws for him underneath big cushions. Uses a stutter-step and head fakes to create separation on deep routes against off-coverage. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Shows nice hip sink at the stem, with clean footwork. Offers a reliable pair of hands, with only four career drops (none this past season.) Good focus and better strength than anticipated, allowing him to come down with a relatively high percentage of contested catches. Aware of the sideline when working near the boundary. Competitive player after the catch. Good creativity and elusiveness in the open field. Shows solid form as a blocker and works to sustain.
Negatives:
Was never really a high-volume target in school, and game-to-game output varied considerably. Frame looks to be a little bit on the thin side, and may struggle to deal with more physical corners at the next level. Didn’t do a ton of work over the middle of the field; shorter routes were typically digs, hitches, curls, and comebacks. Doesn’t always look like he’s going full speed. Settles into coverage at times against zone. Fights for additional yardage but probably isn’t going to break a ton of tackles. Character will be a concern after he was filmed hitting a female fan following the team’s loss to Tennessee in 2022.
Summary:
A legitimate deep threat whose speed created plenty of easy throws underneath the coverage. With a reliable pair of hands and impressive elusiveness and competitiveness after the catch, he can add a playmaking spark to a team, assuming they’re satisfied with how he responds to questions about his character. Sort of a difficult projection in that it’s possible he’ll be off some boards completely, while on others he could be viewed as a second-day pick.
Projection: Round 3-4
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