The Arizona Cardinals continued their growing tradition of selecting defensive talent from Ohio State University by drafting cornerback Denzel Burke in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, following a trade with the Dallas Cowboys. This move not only highlights the Cardinals’ persistent faith in the defensive pedigree of the Buckeyes, but also signals a strategic attempt to bolster their secondary with battle-tested talent from one of college football’s premier programs. With this pick, Arizona once again shows that they value physicality, discipline, and proven performance in their draft strategy.
The trade with the Dallas Cowboys to secure the pick that landed Burke was a calculated one, exemplifying Arizona’s active approach to identifying and acquiring specific players who fit their long-term vision. Rather than waiting for prospects to fall to them, the Cardinals front office has been aggressive in navigating the draft board, and the acquisition of Burke serves as another example of that proactive mindset. For Arizona, every draft pick is an investment, and by moving up to grab Burke, they’re betting on both his potential and his Ohio State background as indicators of future NFL success.
Denzel Burke, a three-year starter for Ohio State, earned recognition as one of the Big Ten’s top cornerbacks during his collegiate career. He possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and agility that allows him to keep up with top-tier receivers, and he’s proven capable in both man and zone coverage. Standing at 6’1” with a lean frame and long arms, Burke offers the physical traits that NFL scouts covet in outside cornerbacks. His football IQ and technique have steadily improved during his time in Columbus, and while some viewed him as a mid-round prospect due to a few inconsistencies in coverage, many believe that Burke’s ceiling is significantly higher than his draft slot suggests.
For Arizona, the selection of Burke fits perfectly into their current rebuild. The Cardinals are in the midst of reshaping a defense that, in recent years, has struggled with depth and consistency in the secondary. Injuries and underwhelming performances plagued their cornerback unit throughout the 2024 season, and with veteran contracts expiring and younger players still developing, the need for a fresh infusion of talent was paramount. Burke enters a situation where there is immediate opportunity for snaps, especially if he can impress in training camp and preseason action.
The connection between the Arizona Cardinals and Ohio State defenders is not new. In recent years, the Cardinals have tapped into the Buckeyes’ pipeline for defensive talent on multiple occasions. This trend reflects a broader pattern in the NFL, where front offices increasingly rely on established college programs like Ohio State to produce “NFL-ready” players who can contribute quickly. For Arizona, selecting Buckeye defenders is not merely about reputation—it’s about reliability. Ohio State consistently fields one of the nation’s toughest defenses, often pitting its players against elite competition in the Big Ten and nationally. That experience translates well to the professional level.
From a cultural and developmental standpoint, Burke’s transition from Ohio State to the NFL should be relatively smooth. The Buckeyes’ defensive coaching staff emphasizes pro-style schemes, demanding accountability, versatility, and high-level execution from their players. These qualities align closely with the expectations at the next level. Burke has already operated in high-pressure environments, faced top-tier receiving threats, and been coached to NFL standards. His familiarity with film study, game planning, and technique work will only help him hit the ground running in Arizona.
The Cardinals’ coaching staff will likely ease Burke into the rotation, giving him time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL offenses. However, given his athletic tools and high football IQ, there’s potential for him to emerge as a key contributor, if not a starter, by mid-season. Arizona defensive coordinator Nick Rallis is known for his ability to develop young defenders, and his system emphasizes flexibility, which could benefit a player like Burke who is still refining his game. Whether Burke initially plays outside, contributes on special teams, or even gets looks in nickel packages, his adaptability should serve him well.
Off the field, Burke brings a competitive edge and professionalism that will be welcomed in the Cardinals’ locker room. Teammates and coaches at Ohio State consistently praised his work ethic, leadership qualities, and focus. He’s a player who takes pride in his craft and is driven to improve. That kind of mindset is crucial on a young, rebuilding team like Arizona’s, where internal leadership and accountability are as important as on-field talent. Burke’s approach to the game fits seamlessly with what head coach Jonathan Gannon is trying to instill: a culture of toughness, discipline, and continuous improvement.
While fifth-round picks are often seen as developmental players or depth additions, Burke’s potential upside makes this selection feel like a steal for Arizona. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, there’s every reason to believe he could outplay his draft slot and become a long-term fixture in the Cardinals’ secondary. At the very least, he provides valuable depth and competition at a position of need—something every NFL team needs to survive the grind of a full season.
Burke also represents a broader strategic trend for Arizona. By targeting defenders from major college programs, they are hedging against the unpredictability of the draft. The jump from college to the pros is steep, and players from smaller schools or less competitive conferences often struggle to adapt. In contrast, Ohio State defenders are used to the spotlight, the scrutiny, and the level of detail required to win consistently. For a franchise like Arizona looking to build a sustainable contender, those qualities are more than just nice to have—they’re essential.
This draft pick also reinforces general manager Monti Ossenfort’s vision for the roster. Since taking over, Ossenfort has emphasized long-term roster construction, smart cap management, and disciplined drafting. Trading with the Cowboys to move into a position where Burke was still available reflects a front office willing to move aggressively when they identify value. It also highlights the importance Arizona places on identifying players who not only fit their scheme but also match their organizational values. Burke checks both boxes, and for a fifth-round pick, that’s a win.
As the Cardinals continue their rebuild, the emphasis on young, moldable talent from proven programs will remain a key strategy. Burke, with his Ohio State pedigree and competitive mindset, fits the mold of what Arizona is trying to build. He’s young, hungry, and has played at the highest level of college football. Now he steps into a professional environment where the opportunity is clear, and the expectations are manageable, but the potential is limitless.
In the end, the drafting of Denzel Burke is about more than just one player. It’s about the Cardinals’ belief in process, in scouting, in development, and in the value of specific collegiate experiences. It’s about betting on character and culture as much as athleticism. And most importantly, it’s about continuing to make smart, calculated moves that can yield high rewards. If Burke develops as hoped, this selection will be remembered not only as another smart draft-day decision but as another key chapter in the Cardinals’ growing pipeline of Ohio State defenders who come to the desert ready to make an impact.
