Miami Dolphins UDFA WR Je'Quan Burton of Florida Atlantic has ridiculous athletic testing
MIAMI GARDENS - Je'Quan Burton had the biggest smile, and why wouldn't he.
Burton had just completed his first rookie practice as an undrafted Miami Dolphins player.
And yes, Burton, a wide receiver from nearby Florida Atlantic, fits seamlessly in a way.
Burton is 5-foot-9, 177 pounds, but he has reportedly run 40 yards in a blazing 4.36 seconds (about on par with Jaylen Waddle).
And he can reportedly broad jump 11 feet, 5 inches and vertical jump more than 46 inches.
Those numbers would have put him among the very best at the NFL Scouting Combine, had he been invited.
"I think it aligns perfectly," Burton said of his traits and the Dolphins. "Look at Tyreek (Hill), Waddle. Look at (Braxton) Berrios. Those guys are my size. And they do the same things I can do. I've got the same skill sets. The three receivers that they brought, we're all 5-9, 5-10, so you kind of see where (coach Mike McDaniel's) going with it."
Burton's path is circuitous.
He played at Jones High School in Orlando, then Southern Illinois and Iowa Central before walking on to FAU, where he would eventually earn a scholarship.
"Made me resilient, truly," Burton said. "When you're at JUCO, that's the bottom of the bottom. If you don't work out at JUCO, you're going back home. So to be in a position like that and know that I had to grind my way all the way back up, I feel like no problem in my life has stopped me. I'm resilient."
Burton had 1,277 yards and nine touchdowns in three seasons at FAU.
But his speed and athleticism are so intriguing that, who knows, perhaps he can find himself a spot on Miami's practice squad.
"Pure speedster with an impressive testing background as an athlete," said NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein. "One of the most impressive athletes in the 2024 draft."
Zierlein did also note Burton must show improvement with his ball skills and hands.
Burton said his favorite receiver growing up was Miami native Antonio Brown.
"That's my boy," Burton said. "I'm rocking with him."
Burton understands the climb from this point to ever playing in an NFL game is steep.
But he was encouraged by words McDaniel delivered to the rookie group.
"He told us he doesn't care who you are - draft pick, undrafted, if you beat out Tyreek he's gonna' play you. I don't know about that," Burton said, smiling. "But so that's what he gave us and I truly believe that."
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins UDFA WR Je'Quan Burton at rookie camp
