After a disappointing and forgettable rookie season, wide receiver Jermaine Burton is earning early praise this offseason. Burton was selected as the 80th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and failed to make a significant impact for the Cincinnati Bengals, drawing more attention off the field than on it.

Late in the season, Burton was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident against his ex-girlfriend, prompting the Bengals to bar him from traveling with the team for the final game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Overall, he appeared in 14 games, recording 4 receptions for 107 yards. Determined to move past last year, Burton has shown noticeable effort this offseason, aiming to secure a role behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at wide receiver.

This week, ESPN highlighted their biggest surprises per team from OTA workouts this offseason, and in a surprising turn, Burton was named the most impressive player, given the challenges he faced. Here's what ESPN's Ben Baby said about Burton's OTA performance:

'Burton experienced one of the worst rookie seasons possible, which heightened the character concerns from his college days. Entering this season, Bengals executive Duke Tobin emphasized that Burton needed to prove himself to the team. This offseason, Burton has made all the right steps. He has been attentive and engaged during spring workouts, receiving positive feedback from everyone asked, including offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. "He has a good look in his eye," Pitcher said. "He's putting in the time." Burton possesses the skills to become a big-play option in key situations.'

While Burton was drafted in the third round, it was 2023 sixth-round pick Andrei Iosivas who had a standout rookie season. Iosivas played in 13 games, including 7 starts, with 27 receptions for 350 yards and 5 touchdowns, far outpacing Burton's output as a rookie.

If Burton steps up in his second year and stays out of trouble, a competitive battle could emerge for the third receiver spot behind Chase and Higgins. Adding more weapons for quarterback Joe Burrow would make the Bengals' offense even more formidable, building on their 2024 ranking of 9th in total offense.