Let me take you back to USC in 2017. With a star QB and a young emerging wide receiver in the fold, USC had a potent offense. The featured player was soon to be New York Jets passer Sam Darnold, and the young emerging wide receiver is underrated and overlooked Deontay Burnett.
Darnold went on to be the third overall pick to the Jets in the 2018 Draft. Deontay Burnett went undrafted and signed with the Tennessee Titans. Then, Burnett shined in the preseason with them only to get released. The Jets proceeded to sign him and eventually had him on the gridiron.
He shined and showed his connection with Darnold was still present, and that can be a weapon for the Jets. He finished his rookie year with ten receptions for 143 yards.Â
Now, Burnett returns for his second year and is in the thick of the competition for the WR 4 & 5 spots. Someone needed to stick out, and Burnett has done just that by shining in camp and proving he can be a phenomenal weapon for this team in the long run.
I believe he is overlooked and will earn a spot on the roster and shine this season. One saying that is often reiterated is, “talent over everything,†Deontay Burnett is a prime example of that because he’s a talented young wide receiver with speed and superb athleticism.
Burnett is a gamer, and the Jets needed to make sure he can shine this season. The familiarity with Darnold is one thing, but talent is another and Deontay will be a crucial player for the New York Jets if allowed to shine.Â