Out of necessity the Miami Dolphins have found a new way to use former FAU WR Je’Quan Burton in today’s 13-6 preseason victory over the Commanders.
Midway through the 3rd quarter following an injury to 3rd string running back Chris Brooks, the Dolphins opted to sub in Burton at the position rather than have De’Von Achane suit back up.
In his collegiate career, Burton recorded 27 rushes for 122 yards, with his most coming his freshman year at Southern Illinois where he had 21 carries for 105 yards.
On his first drive at RB, he received a pitch behind the line of scrimmage, made a defender miss, and picked up a gain of a couple yards.
He found his role increasing come the second drive, recording an 8 yard reception on a dump off pass from Mike White. He almost picked up the first down on the following play with a 3 yard rush, but the play was called back for holding.
The Dolphins went to the pass game on Burton’s 3rd drive which came at the tail end of the 3rd quarter where he was utilized in the play action game, but didn’t receive any carries. His versatility was on debut when the Dolphins were able to go 5 wide and he was targeted on 3rd down, but he was tightly contested and the pass fell incomplete.
The Dolphins went back to Burton on a pitch play on his 4th drive, similar to the pitch he received on his first drive but was only able to get back to the line of scrimmage. He only received the one carry on his 4th drive, but he was in motion out of the backfield to setup 5 wide sets, again showing his versatility.
The 5th drive saw Miami again look to air it out with Mike White, but the motion routes out of the backfield for Burton were again on display. Although he didn’t receive any rushes, this drive was again an example of what is possible if the dolphins were to utilize Burton out of the backfield in certain packages.
The 6th drive was a 3 and out for the Dolphins but saw Burton once again play a role in the play action game of the Dolphins offense, but did not see any touches. Drive number 7 saw an increased role in the pass game, gaining 2 targets and 1 reception behind the line, which went for no gain.
Overall it was a pretty quiet debut at RB for Burton, but he found different ways to contribute as a receiver while at FAU, both in the short and long pass game and here with the Dolphins he is making himself known as someone willing to do anything.
Burton recorded 1 reception in the Dolphins 1st preseason game against the Falcons, but overall has struggled to rise the ranks of a stacked WR Room in Miami. The willingness to step up at RB while also competing at WR is something that could help Burton earn a roster spot or potentially a practice squad spot with the Dolphins.
It will be something to watch if Burton continues to receive increased reps at RB or if he rises up the WR depth chart in the final few weeks of the preseason. FAU has had Lucky Whitehead and Lester Jean crack pro rosters at WR, while Alfred Morris, Devin Singletary and Kerrith Whyte Jr at RB, Burton will look to be the first Owl to do it at both.
