Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton was one of the surprise positive talking points around the team this spring.

Burton showed up with a new look and approach to the pro game, which he was more than open about during interviews. So, too, were big names like Joe Burrow.

During the lull before training camp, ESPN’s Ben Baby selected Burton as the Bengals’ surprise player:

“This offseason, Burton has made all the right moves. He was attentive and engaged throughout the spring workouts. He earned praise from every person who was asked about him, including offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher. ‘He’s got a good look in his eye,’ Pitcher said. ‘He’s here putting the time in.’ Burton has the tools to become a big-play option in special situations.”

Considering Burton seemed like a guy who could be on the roster bubble this summer after a shockingly rough rookie campaign, he’s rebounded nicely.

Granted, we’ll have to see how Burton does once training camp starts. But the talent was always there, which is why the Bengals were more than happy to gamble on him despite the red flags in the first place.