Amidst legendary coach Nick Saban‘s retirement from Alabama earlier this year, former Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Tommy Rees embarked on a search for new professional opportunities. Seizing an opportunity in Cleveland, Rees assumed the roles of tight ends coach and passing game specialist for the Browns this season.
Now, insights from a Browns insider suggest that Rees’ prior coaching experience, particularly with Alabama wide receiver Jermaine Burton, may influence Burton’s potential inclusion in Cleveland’s roster. Shared on “The Daily Grossi” podcast via ESPN Cleveland, analyst Tony Grossi highlighted Rees’ familiarity with Burton as a significant factor, expressing optimism about Cleveland’s potential to select him as a third-round draft pick.
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While NFL scouts have expressed reservations about Burton’s collegiate journey, citing his attendance at multiple schools and implying potential character concerns for the 6-foot-0 receiver, Grossi noted that Rees, having previously worked with Burton at Alabama, could alleviate such concerns.
Considering Burton as a third-round selection, Grossi reasoned that the Browns could afford to take a calculated risk on a player with high potential rewards at that stage of the draft.
Furthermore, Grossi discussed the broader trend of NFL coaches selecting their former players, citing the example of former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, now leading the Los Angeles Chargers. With 18 former Wolverines invited to the NFL Combine, Grossi speculated that Harbaugh might select as many as four of his former players in this year’s draft.
