“Arizona Cardinals Strengthen Ties to Ohio State Defense by Drafting Standout Cornerback Denzel Burke Following Stellar College Career”

The Arizona Cardinals have long been a franchise that values toughness, intelligence, and a commitment to winning culture—qualities that often mirror the pedigree of Ohio State football. That parallel became even clearer in the 2025 NFL Draft when the Cardinals used a premium pick to select standout cornerback Denzel Burke, a player who not only starred in the Big Ten but embodied the kind of defensive edge Arizona has been looking to restore.

With Burke’s selection, the Cardinals have further deepened their ties to Ohio State, continuing a trend of building their roster through one of college football’s most respected pipelines. More than just another Buckeye headed to the pros, Burke represents a strategic investment in a defensive identity that Arizona hopes to cultivate as they rebuild under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

The Cardinals’ selection of Burke isn’t just about talent acquisition—it’s about trust. Over the years, Arizona has leaned on Ohio State’s NFL-ready development, from past selections like linebacker Joshua Perry (briefly with the team after his stint with the Chargers) to current scouting habits that prioritize Big Ten defensive experience.

Ohio State’s reputation under Ryan Day and previously Urban Meyer has been to churn out pro-ready players, particularly in the secondary. Names like Marshon Lattimore, Jeff Okudah, Denzel Ward, and Malik Hooker have all come through Columbus and found early success in the NFL. Denzel Burke fits seamlessly into that lineage—an instinctive, physical cornerback with three years of high-level experience.

What separates Burke from some predecessors, however, is his versatility and leadership. Arizona made it clear that they were seeking a foundational piece—not just someone to fill out the cornerback depth chart. Burke, a two-time All-Big Ten selection, checks that box and more.

Burke arrived at Ohio State in 2021 as a 4-star recruit from Scottsdale, Arizona, ironically returning to the desert now to begin his NFL career. Initially overlooked compared to flashier prospects, Burke earned a starting role as a true freshman, a rarity at cornerback for the Buckeyes.

He made an immediate impact, showcasing confidence, elite hips, and a knack for finding the ball in critical situations. His freshman year was punctuated by several standout games, most notably against Minnesota and Penn State, where his coverage skills stood out under pressure.

By his sophomore season, Burke had matured into a full-field defender. Though he battled through some injuries and inconsistent moments in 2022, his junior year marked a resurgence. With cleaner mechanics and stronger press coverage ability, he led a defensive unit that ranked among the nation’s top five in pass defense efficiency. NFL scouts took notice.

Burke finished his Ohio State career with:

• 30 career starts
• 26 pass deflections
• 5 interceptions
• Countless forced incompletions against top Big Ten receivers

His tape shows a cornerback with advanced technique, elite footwork, and the kind of confidence you simply can’t teach. It’s the same kind of presence that made Patrick Peterson a star in Arizona for nearly a decade.

Arizona’s pass defense ranked among the worst in the league last season, giving up over 250 yards per game and often struggling to match up against elite receivers in the NFC West. While the team has invested in young players like Marco Wilson and Garrett Williams, there remained a clear need for a lockdown corner with No. 1 potential.

Burke brings exactly that. His ability to play both man and zone coverage at a high level gives defensive coordinator Nick Rallis much-needed flexibility. Burke’s football IQ also stands out—he’s a film junkie with a reputation for outsmarting quarterbacks before the ball is even snapped.

In pre-draft interviews, Burke reportedly blew away team officials with his command of defensive terminology and his breakdowns of game scenarios. One source inside the Cardinals organization said, “He knew our base concepts better than some rookies we already have. That’s not normal.”

Another factor? Leadership. Arizona is in the early stages of a cultural overhaul, and Burke, a vocal presence at Ohio State, brings a locker-room maturity the franchise values. “He’s a captain-type player,” Ohio State defensive backs coach Tim Walton said. “He holds everyone accountable and makes the group better.”

Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon built his reputation as a defensive architect during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly with how he maximized the talent in the secondary. In Burke, Gannon gets a player who mirrors the skill set of the corners he previously worked with—long, fluid, aggressive, and coachable.

Gannon has expressed his desire to return the Cardinals to being a top-10 defense, especially given how competitive the NFC West has become with quarterback play from the likes of Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford, and Geno Smith. To slow them down, you need elite cornerback play—and Burke is expected to step into that role immediately.

“Denzel gives us something we haven’t had in a while—confidence at corner,” Gannon said after the pick. “He’s the kind of guy who relishes going up against No. 1 receivers. That’s a mindset we need.”

Arizona runs a hybrid defense that relies heavily on disguised coverages and rotating safeties. Burke’s ability to operate in multiple schemes makes him an ideal chess piece. He’s at his best in press-man coverage but is also well-versed in cover-3 and quarters—a product of Ohio State’s diversified system.

At 6’1″, 190 pounds, Burke has the frame to battle bigger NFL receivers, while his quick-twitch reactions allow him to mirror smaller, shiftier targets in the slot if needed. While not yet considered an elite ballhawk, his ability to stay in phase and force bad throws was a hallmark of his college career.

Look for Arizona to ease Burke into a starting role opposite Garrett Williams, with opportunities to shadow elite receivers later in the season. Special teams contributions early on are possible, but don’t be surprised if Burke’s talent earns him CB1 responsibilities by midseason.

Burke is entering a situation with high expectations. Cardinals fans have longed for another shutdown corner since the days of Patrick Peterson’s prime, and the bar for first-round defensive backs is always steep.

But Burke is used to pressure. At Ohio State, every game was nationally televised, and every play scrutinized by NFL evaluators. He faced some of the best receivers in the country in practice and games—Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Keon Coleman, just to name a few.

Burke has cited former Cardinals star Tyrann Mathieu as a player he looked up to growing up, and he now has the opportunity to write his own legacy in the desert. He’ll have a support system of Ohio State alumni across the NFL and an Arizona community eager to embrace a new face of the defense.

Arizona’s decision to draft Denzel Burke signals a clear philosophical shift. In the past, the Cardinals often leaned offensive in the draft—quarterbacks, receivers, and skill positions. But under new general manager Monti Ossenfort, there’s a renewed focus on defensive infrastructure.

Burke’s selection is more than just a one-off; it reflects the organization’s desire to rebuild from the back end forward. By fortifying the secondary, Arizona can begin to generate more turnovers, get off the field on third down, and create shorter fields for quarterback Kyler Murray and the offense.

It’s also worth noting that with a division loaded with offensive firepower, prioritizing elite defensive backs becomes non-negotiable. With Burke, Arizona now has a potential future Pro Bowler anchoring their secondary.

In his first press conference, Burke expressed excitement about returning to Arizona, where he spent part of his childhood. “It feels like a full-circle moment,” he said. “I grew up watching the Cardinals, and now I get to put on that jersey and go to war with this team. I’m ready to work.”

Burke also spoke highly of his time at Ohio State, crediting the program for preparing him mentally and physically for the NFL. “The competition at Ohio State is like the league. Every rep is a battle. I know what it takes to earn respect, and I plan to do that here.”

His humble yet focused demeanor has already made an impression, and teammates have noted his professionalism even in early team activities.

The Arizona Cardinals took a significant step toward reshaping their identity by drafting Denzel Burke, a player with the tools, mindset, and background to become a foundational piece on defense. His selection is more than a talent acquisition—it’s a statement.

By deepening their connection to Ohio State’s storied program and betting on a player known for accountability, toughness, and elite play, the Cardinals have given themselves a chance to reestablish defensive dominance in a competitive division.

Denzel Burke might not be a household name yet, but with the Cardinals’ investment and his proven track record, it might not be long before he’s locking down the NFL’s best and leading Arizona’s resurgence—one pass deflection at a time.