Who Should I Start? Jermaine Burton or Chimere Dike

Thursday, January 30, 2:42 PM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton was selected with the No. 80 overall pick (third round) in the 2024 NFL Draft after a strong final season at Alabama. However, the 23-year-old played sparingly in his rookie season and caught just four passes for 107 yards on 14 targets in 14 games. At the Senior Bowl this year, Bengals director of player personnel spoke on Burton's status with the organization. "He's done nothing, and he's going to have to start doing something quickly. We knew we were taking a risk. 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," Tobin said. "But this is professional football, and you have to take accountability, and you have to be accountable to your teammates, your coaches, and the team that you're playing for, and he has to figure that out." Burton notably did not travel with the team for a must-win game against the Pittsburgh Steelers late in the 2024 campaign and seems to be falling out of favor with the coaching staff and front office quickly. The speedster could be at risk of being released or traded before the next regular season.

Thursday, May 1, 3:12 PM

According to Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan, fourth-round rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike can play all three wide receiver positions and will get an opportunity at each spot this offseason. Dike spent last season with the Florida Gators, racking up 42 receptions for 783 yards and two touchdowns. He began his collegiate career at Wisconsin and spent four seasons in Madison. The 22-year-old flashed his speed during the pre-draft process, posting a 4.34 forty-yard dash time at the 2025 NFL Combine. The Titans have lacked high-end speed at the wideout spot in recent years, and Dike could have a chance to earn significant playing time in a young and unproven wide receiver room. If so, he'll help rookie quarterback Cam Ward get his career started in Nashville. At worst, Dike should heavily contribute on special teams.