The 2024 NFL Draft saw the AFC North teams addressing key needs with varying success. The Steelers and Ravens had standout drafts, focusing on the trenches and secondary, respectively. Cincinnati bolstered its roster with depth, while Cleveland, with fewer picks, made strategic selections. The Steelers’ pick of Troy Fautanu and the Ravens’ addition of Nate Wiggins were highlights. Baltimore and Pittsburgh were the most active, while Cincinnati quietly improved. The draft’s surprise was Cleveland’s minimal activity due to previous trades.
Jermaine Burton, WR, Alabama
Jermaine Burton played college football at Georgia, contributing as a receiver with 404 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman, and 497 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore, including a career-high 197 yards in a game against Mississippi State. He transferred to Alabama for his junior year, leading the team with 798 receiving yards and eight touchdowns before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Jermaine Burton, with his speed and deep threat ability, fits well into the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive scheme, complementing star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. His skills in stretching the field and manipulating defenders suit the Bengals’ vertical passing game under quarterback Joe Burrow. Despite concerns about play strength and yards-after-catch, Burton’s role as a secondary deep threat and route-runner adds depth to the Bengals’ receiving corps, potentially contributing as a situational playmaker and red zone target.
Jermaine Burton faces initial challenges in a crowded receiving corps led by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While talented, Burton’s short-term fantasy outlook is tempered by competition for targets and a potential slot role shared with Mike Gesicki. In dynasty leagues, Burton’s value rises due to his potential to inherit a significant role as Higgins may depart in 2025. However, concerns about Burton’s off-field behavior may affect his long-term reliability. Draft him cautiously in redraft leagues for bench depth, but consider him a higher prospect in dynasty formats, especially in 2QB leagues by the third round.
Jermaine Burton’s success in the NFL depends on leveraging his elite speed and route-running skills to excel as a deep threat and secondary receiver. He must refine his route breaks and increase play strength to compete effectively against physical defenders. With continued development in these areas, Burton can carve out a niche as a reliable target in vertical passing schemes, contributing crucial catches and occasional big plays while enhancing his role in the team’s offensive strategy.
Dane Brugler from The Athletic assesses Jermaine Burton, drafted 80th by the Bengals, as a dynamic receiver with NFL-level athleticism and ball skills. Despite underperforming in college, Burton’s ability to track and catch the ball impresses, though he struggled with consistency and discipline. Brugler suggests Burton can excel in the pros if he maintains focus on football.
Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
Amarius Mims, born October 14, 2002, in Cochran, Georgia, is an offensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football at Georgia, winning national championships in 2021 and 2022. Mims played as a reserve his sophomore year, starting in the Peach Bowl and national championship after an injury to a teammate. He declared for the 2024 NFL draft after the 2023 season and was selected in the first round.
Amarius Mims fits well into the Bengals’ offensive line, addressing their need for a strong pass protector. His towering frame, smooth mobility, and grip strength make him ideal for their scheme. Though raw as a run-blocker, he can improve with coaching. Mims’ length and power bolster the Bengals’ protection for their quarterback. His physical tools align with the Bengals’ emphasis on solid pass protection. Overall, Mims fills a critical need and has potential to be a high-impact player.
Amarius Mims, selected 18th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 NFL Draft, was a 2023 Joe Moore Award finalist for the nation’s top offensive lineman. His addition addresses a critical need for the Bengals, providing protection for QB Joe Burrow. Mims’ potential to anchor the offensive line enhances his fantasy impact, making him a significant addition for Bengals fans and fantasy football managers alike.
Amarius Mims needs to refine his footwork and positional leverage to succeed in the NFL. Coaching should focus on improving his balance and technique in both run blocking and pass protection. Utilizing his physical tools, such as his towering frame and grip strength, will be crucial. Consistent practice and game experience will help Mims reach his full potential as a high-level pass protector.
Amarius Mims received mixed expert grades: Shelby Dermer of USA TODAY gave him a B-, while Bleacher Report awarded a C. SB Nation rated him an A, and Pro Football Network graded him a B+. Analysts view Mims as a high-risk, high-reward prospect due to his limited starting experience and recent injury, emphasizing his potential as a cornerstone tackle. With veteran Trent Brown signed, the Bengals plan to develop Mims gradually to secure QB Joe Burrow’s protection effectively.
Erick All, TE, Iowa
Erick All, a tight end drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024 (4th round, 115th overall), played college football at Michigan and Iowa. At Michigan, he showed promise with 34 receptions for 374 yards and two touchdowns in 2021, including a game-winning catch against Penn State. He transferred to Iowa for the 2023 season after recovering from a back injury, contributing to their offense before entering the NFL draft.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Erick All in the fourth round (115th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite his ACL injury in 2023, All brings speed and experience from Michigan and Iowa’s programs, specializing in various tight end roles. Expected to complement starters like Mike Gesicki and Drew Sample, All adds depth and flexibility to the Bengals’ offensive schemes, aligning well with their emphasis on multiple tight end formations and enhancing their passing and blocking options.
Erick All has injury concerns but significant fantasy potential. With Joe Burrow as QB and no established TE1, All could make a major impact if he stays healthy. He aims to be ready for training camp, and his impressive skills from Iowa make him a valuable late-round pick. Fantasy experts suggest drafting him at his current TE40 ADP.
Erick All must first clear medical evaluations after ACL and back injuries. To succeed, he should leverage his agility and field-stretching speed, refining his route running and catching consistency. Improving his physicality against coverage and enhancing his run-blocking skills will solidify his role as a versatile tight end, making him a valuable asset in both passing and blocking schemes.
NFL analyst Lance Zierlein noted All’s potential as a “Good Backup With The Potential To Develop Into Starter,” highlighting his speed and agility but citing concerns about his injuries and inconsistent hands. All’s status for his rookie season is uncertain as he recovers from surgery.ESPN ranked All 174th overall, Pro Football Focus ranked him 92nd, and CBS Sports ranked him 321st.
Comparative Analysis
The Bengals’ 2024 draft class focuses on key positions with notable talent. They added OT Amarius Mims in Round 1 to secure the right tackle spot, addressing a persistent need. WR Jermaine Burton, taken in Round 3, brings high production and potential explosiveness. TE Erick All in Round 4 and TE Tanner McLachlan in Round 6 add depth to the tight end position. Compared to previous years, this draft class provides strong options for fantasy positions, especially at WR and TE.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amarius Mims is a potential long-term solution at right tackle, possibly starting by 2025. Jermaine Burton could see early playing time, enhancing the receiver corps with his big-play ability. Erick All and Tanner McLachlan add depth at tight end, with All recovering from an ACL injury. Cedric Johnson and Matt Lee provide depth on defense and the offensive line, respectively.