The NFL Draft is viewed as the dawn of many NFL careers. Of course, those who are drafted have an edge, but there are plenty of undrafted free agents who make the league.
Still, some players don't get drafted, don't get signed, but get a shot to receive a contract at what's called rookie minicamp. Only, the title is a little deceiving. While it's used as an acclimation period for new players and rookies, it's also used as a reclamation project for veterans. That just happened with former Alabama Crimson Tide
WR Jermaine Burton
.
There is a saying in league circles that has gone on for years. "Talent sets the ceiling, character sets the floor." Burton might be a poster child for that quote. One of the better WRs in his draft class, Burton fell to the third round in the 2024 NFL Draft because, from a character standpoint, he was the ultimate red flag.
Teams knew about his time in Athens before transferring to the Capstone, and Nick Saban, who is an open book about every player, even to the public, couldn't even rein in Burton. And when he got to Cincinnati , things didn't change.
"Nick Saban's draft day warnings about Burton were proven correct from the Bengals ' point of view. There was never a true buy-in from the former third-round pick. He was unreliable at showing up to practice on time, and additional off-field issues popped up during his brief time in Cincinnati as well.
"He forced the team's hand to sideline him, including a week in which he was supposed to be a featured part of the game plan. It all culminated in his release last December. All you can hope is he takes full advantage of his newfound opportunity."- John Sheeran, A to Z Sports Cincinnati
He might only be 24 years old and have all the talent in the world, but if he doesn't make the most of this opportunity, it could be the last time he sets foot on an NFL field.
