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4 Players the Cincinnati Bengals Should Pair with Joe Burrow

By Hunter Bittinger

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 29: Devin Duvernay #6 of the Texas Longhorns attempts to avoid a tackle by Damarcus Fields #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 29: Devin Duvernay #6 of the Texas Longhorns attempts to avoid a tackle by Damarcus Fields #23 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 29, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Van Jefferson #12 of the Florida Gators with a catch and run during the second half of the Capital One Orange Bowl against the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 30: Van Jefferson #12 of the Florida Gators with a catch and run during the second half of the Capital One Orange Bowl against the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

The number one thing that comes to the forefront when talking about former Florida wide receiver Van Jefferson is his route running ability. The 23-year-old is an absolute technician, and it should help him contribute immediately upon his entrance to the league.

However, after the discussion of his route tree, the next thing scouts bring up is his potential lack of long speed. Whether it is a legitimate criticism of Jefferson remains to be seen, but Burrow’s laser precision accuracy makes the pairing between the two ideal.

Jefferson’s crisp footwork means he should have no problem creating separation in short and intermediate routes. He may, however, have trouble giving his quarterback a pocket to throw in on deep routes if his speed truly is a concern, due to the makeup speed of NFL corners. That should be no problem for Burrow, as perhaps his greatest strength is accuracy.

Jefferson posted 657 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns during his final campaign with the Gators. While that stat line isn’t eye-popping, it’s impressive considering the system he played in and the quarterback talent he had. Bringing him into an NFL offense with a quarterback of Burrow’s accuracy could unlock his potential, especially his deep game, and allow him to reach a new level.

His attention to detail in route running would allow he and Burrow to build chemistry quickly and give the young signal-caller another target he can trust.

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