Who Should I Start? Jermaine Burton or Elic Ayomanor

Sunday, July 6, 11:53 AM

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton continues to make a positive impression on the coaching staff. Head coach Zac Taylor has already touted the wideout's improved growth and maturity this offseason. However, it didn't end there, with offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher being the latest member of the staff to comment on Burton's personal development. "He's got a good look in his eye," stated Pitcher. "He's putting the time in." The 24-year-old, selected with the No. 80 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had a forgettable rookie campaign, amassing only four catches (14 targets) for 107 yards. He was also held out of three contests while failing to find the end zone. Without question, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown will each command attention from quarterback Joe Burrow. Tight end Mike Gesicki should also be involved. Still, Burton has a chance to climb the depth chart, which could result in fewer snaps for Andrei Iosivas. With that said, Burton has a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers, although he's worth monitoring heading into Week 1. His ceiling could rise even more if Chase, Higgins, or Iosivas get injured at some point during the season, giving him streaming potential.

Tuesday, June 24, 2:35 PM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver rookie Elic Ayomanor was selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft following two excellent seasons at Stanford, in which he racked up 125 receptions for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns. Titans insider Easton Freeze believes the 206-pound pass-catcher will start for the team right away. "I'm calling my shot: I think 4th Round rookie Elic Ayomanor will be out there on the Titans' opening offensive play from scrimmage in Week 1. He's been my guy since the draft process, and I believe in his ability to both physically and mentally get up to speed in the NFL in a hurry," Freeze wrote. "He's the only true X receiver on this roster for my money, and that's where I think he's lined up to begin the year. I was really encouraged by what we've seen from him in practice so far, and look forward to his continued progress in Training Camp." While expectations for Tennessee's offense should be tempered with rookie quarterback Cam Ward under center, Ayomanor is undervalued in deeper fantasy football leagues if he's an opening-day starter. Many believed he would be selected in the top two rounds of April's draft, but he slipped to Day 3 and is evidently getting noticed early in his NFL career.