Recently, Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings assembled a seven-round NFL mock draft and had the Indianapolis Colts taking Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Colts currently have a solid trio of receivers in Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce. Yet, they could use a wideout like Burton, providing quarterback Anthony Richardson with another offensive weapon.
There has been talk of the Colts trading up for Marvin Harrison Jr., who’s considered the draft’s top wide receiver prospect. But knowing that they’d have to give up a bunch of draft picks, it’s highly unlikely that such a deal will come to fruition. It would make a lot more sense to use a third-round pick on someone like Burton.
NFL Mock Draft Has Indianapolis Colts Selecting Jermaine Burton
Jermaine Burton’s College Career
Burton began his college career with the Georgia Bulldogs. As a freshman, he caught 27 passes for 404 yards and three touchdowns. He recorded 26 receptions, 497 yards, and five touchdowns during his sophomore year. After two seasons at Georgia, Burton transferred to Alabama, where he got the opportunity to play with superstar quarterback Bryce Young. He caught 40 passes for 677 yards and seven touchdowns in his first season with the Crimson Tide.
This past season, Burton posted 39 receptions for a career-high 798 yards and eight touchdowns. He also led the SEC, averaging 20.5 yards per catch (ranked sixth in the country). During a win over Texas A&M, Burton took over, posting nine catches for 197 yards and two scores. It was the most yards by an Alabama receiver since DeVonta Smith’s 215 in the 2020 National Championship Game.
Should the Colts Draft Him?
Heading into this offseason, the Colts’ top priority was to retain free agent Michael Pittman Jr. The team achieved their goal, re-signing the star to a three-year deal worth up to $71.5 million with $46 million guaranteed. Pittman is certainly the Colts’ best receiver. In 2023, he had a career-high 109 receptions and 1,152 yards as well as four touchdowns.
Josh Downs is coming off a solid rookie year and Alec Pierce has the potential to be an exciting player. Adding Burton could improve Indy’s wide receiver room. Burton has a combination of speed, physicality, and ball skills. He accelerates well after the catch and has a knack for making combative receptions in traffic.
While Burton is expected to be a Day 2 draft pick, he has first-round talent. He possesses elite route-running and the ability to separate from defenders. He can be extremely explosive at times like he’s being shot out of a cannon. Anthony Richardson missed the majority of last season after suffering a shoulder injury. He should be 100 percent healthy next season and ready to lead the Colts to the playoffs.
Richardson is known for his ability to run with the football. But if he wants to become more of a complete quarterback, he’ll need to be surrounded by as many gifted pass-catchers as possible. So yes, if Burton is still available in the third round, the Colts shouldn’t hesitate to draft him. He could wind up being one of the biggest steals of the 2024 draft.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – USA Today Sports
