Burke tallied 49 tackles (34 solo) and 11 pass defenses (three interceptions) across 17 regular-season games in 2025.
Will Johnson and Burke were the two corners that the Cardinals selected in the second and fifth rounds, respectively, of the 2025 NFL Draft. Burke was projected to serve in a rotational role on defense while contributing on special teams but ended up starting in eight games (including six of the final nine games of the season) due to injuries in the secondary, including Sean Murphy-Bunting (knee), Starling Thomas (knee) and Max Melton. Burke's three picks led Arizona and were second-most among NFL rookies behind Xavier Watts (five), and Watts and Burke tied Nick Emmanwori for the most pass defenses among rookies. Burke's performance in 2025 could earn him a more consistent role in the team's defense for his sophomore campaign.
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Cardinals' Denzel Burke: Posts six stops in OT loss
Rotowire
Burke registered six tackles (two solo) during the Cardinals' 27-24 overtime loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.
Burke played every single defensive snap for the first time this season and finished tied for the fifth-most tackles on the Cardinals during their overtime loss. He has started in each of the Cardinals' last three games, which has coincided with the absence of fellow rookie cornerback Will Johnson (back). Burke would likely revert to a reserve role against the Buccaneers this Sunday if Johnson was cleared to return.
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Cardinals' Denzel Burke: Limited impact in loss
Rotowire
Burke recorded two tackles (one solo) with one pass defensed in Sunday's 41-22 loss to the 49ers.
Burke started for the third straight game, with the Arizona secondary continuing to experience key absences. He has at least one pass defensed in all three of those contests, though he made a limited impact with his tackle total.
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Cardinals' Denzel Burke: Picks off Darnold in Week 10 loss
Rotowire
Burke recorded five tackles (four solo) and an interception during the Cardinals' 44-22 loss to the Seahawks on Sunday.
Burke recorded an interception for a second consecutive game, when he picked off a deep pass from Sam Darnold intended for Jaxon Smith-Njigba early in the third quarter, which led to a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jacoby Brissett to Trey McBride four plays later. Burke has started in each of the Cardinals' last two games, and he would likely start at outside corner against the 49ers this Sunday if one or both of Max Melton (concussion) or Will Johnson (back) were to be sidelined.
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Cardinals' Denzel Burke: Iffy for Week 5 with knee injury
Rotowire
Burke was a limited participant in Friday's practice due a knee injury, and he is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Titans, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports.
The injury appears to be a new one, as Burke popped up on Friday's practice report due to a knee issue. The severity of the injury isn't clear, but the rookie fifth-rounder appears to be in jeopardy of missing his first game of the regular season. If Burke and fellow rookie Will Johnson (groin) are both unable to play, Max Melton and Elijah Jones would be in line to serve as the Cardinals' starting outside corners in Sunday's home clash.
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Cardinals' Denzel Burke: Headed home
Rotowire
The Cardinals selected Burke in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 174th overall.
Burke grew up in the Phoenix area before stepping in as an immediate starter at Ohio State. He was a Second Team All-American in his junior season but suffered from an inconsistent final year in college, causing his slide in the draft. Burke's pedigree makes him a notable addition to an Arizona secondary that lacks proven talent, and he'll join college rival Will Johnson in the rookie class at corner for the team.
