Jermaine Burton vs. Jalen McMillan - Who Should I Draft in 2024 Fantasy Football?

Rookie wide receivers Jermaine Burton and Jalen McMillan figure to be compared to each other in Year 1, as both were taken in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft (12 picks apart). They should each occupy the WR3 role for their respective teams.

Neither player figures to be a breakout superstar immediately, but both are intriguing late-round options and "handcuff wide receivers" in 2024 fantasy football.

Should you pick Burton or McMillan in upcoming drafts? Let's dive in.

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Jermaine Burton 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Burton, a chunk-play specimen, is set to join one of the best offenses in the NFL. He'll catch passes from all-world quarterback Joe Burrow moving forward. Burton had a quiet first two collegiate seasons at Georgia, partially because he shared the field with George Pickens, Ladd McConkey, Adonai Mitchell, and Brock Bowers during his time in Athens.

At Alabama, he registered 40 receptions for 677 yards and seven touchdowns in 2022 and 39 receptions for 798 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023. He wasn't a volume hog or elite target-earner, but he made the most of his opportunities on the receiving end of Bryce Young and Jalen Milroe's passes.

Jermaine Burton is having a DAY.

His second touchdown of the game gives @AlabamaFTBL the lead. pic.twitter.com/iFYFIpFDVS

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 7, 2023

With Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase locked into the WR1 and WR2 roles, Burton will have to beat out Charlie Jones, Andrei Iosivas, and Trenton Irwin for the No. 3 job. If he's unsuccessful in doing so, there's a low probability he ever has NFL success. In his rookie campaign, he should deliver a few spike weeks, especially if Higgins or Chase miss any time.

Jalen McMillan 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Like Burton, McMillan played alongside elite collegiate pass-catchers. Rome Odunze and Ja'Lynn Polk were drafted in the first two rounds, while tight end Devin Culp was a seventh-round pick in April's draft.

Despite Odunze, Polk, and Culp all playing in at least 12 games in 2022, McMillan caught 79 passes (led the team) for 1,098 yards and nine touchdowns (led the team). In 2023, Polk became the primary No. 2 receiver behind Odunze, but McMillan had already proved he could succeed despite immense target competition.

Michael Penix to Jalen McMillan for the TD! pic.twitter.com/IKwShmJsoH

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 2, 2024

If McMillan wants to succeed in Year 1, he'll have to beat out Trey Palmer for the WR3 role and find a way to draw targets alongside Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

Should I Draft Burton or McMillan in Fantasy Football?

According to FFPC data, McMillan carries an ADP of 279.83, while Burton sits at 166.91. That's a clear indication sharp drafters are leaning toward Burton. The Bengals offense is stronger, Joe Burrow is superior to Baker Mayfield, and Cincinnati is always among the league leaders in pass rate.

Ultimately, both are fun fliers in best ball setups, but Burton has "handcuff" value and could be a weekly flex option if Chase or Higgins gets banged up. One could argue that McMillan has a stronger prospect profile and could be the preference in dynasty leagues, but Burton is the right choice for 2024 fantasy football.

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