GLENDALE –The Arizona Cardinals go back-to-back with picking Ohio State Buckeyes, selecting cornerback Denzel Burke 177th overall in the 2025 NFL draft. Burke is from the Valley and went to Brophy College Prep, where he played high school ball, and now returns to Arizona to play for his hometown team.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Burke is the second cornerback drafted by general manager Monti Ossenfort, taking Big Ten rival Will Johnson in the 2nd round. Ossenfort grabbed Burke, the 156th overall prospect and 18th-ranked cornerback in the draft, to continue his complete overhaul of Arizona’s defense.
Jan 20, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke (10) celebrates after winning the CFP National Championship college football game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
What Burke brings to the Cardinals:
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Denzel Burke works out during the pro day for NFL scouts at the Woody Hayes Athletic Cente on March 26, 2025. Syndication: The Columbus Dispatch
When Burke arrived at Columbus, he made an instant impact, recording one interception and 12 pass deflections. For the next three years, he would be the Buckeyes’ most consistent force on defense, starting over 50 games, only the third time a cornerback has achieved that in program history.
Burke’s senior season had him earn third-team all-Big Ten, where he tallied 37 tackles, two interceptions, and two pass deflections en route for Ohio State to bring home the national title. At 5’11, Burke is a speedy defensive back who could be used as a nickel back for defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’s defense this upcoming season.
Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort speaks about Walter Nolen during a news conference inside the Arizona Cardinals training facility on April 24, 2025, in Tempe. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Ossenfort has spent the first five picks of the 2025 NFL draft to improve the defense. He has grabbed two national champions and two 1st round-talented prospects to add to next year’s team, which is primed to make a run for the playoffs.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
