Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke selected by Arizona Cardinals in fifth round of NFL Draft

COLUMBUS — Denzel Burke was a four-year starter at cornerback for Ohio State, earning his spot on the field from his first game all the way until the national title game win in his final Buckeyes appearance.

Now he’ll need to prove himself at the next level after being selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 174th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday.

Burke could have left for the NFL following his junior season last year, but he opted to return to Ohio State to become a top draft choice and win a national championship. He even said as much last winter when asked why he returned to the Buckeyes.

“Honestly, just make more money,” Burke said last winter. “You know, I had a first/second round grade. But at the end of the day, I have no go pants, no Big Ten, no natty. So just being able to come back with my brothers, doing it for the state of Ohio and trying to finish the job this year, man. That’s the plan.”

Burke didn’t earn gold pants or win the Big Ten at Ohio State, but he did help Ohio State win the national championship this past season. His draft stock, however, slipped drastically after an off performance against Oregon on Oct. 12, when he gave up 162 receiving yards and two touchdowns — a clear outlier from nearly every other appearance he’s ever had as a college football cornerback star. He never gave up more than 100 yards in coverage in any other game during his career.

So now that he has slipped down to the fifth round, which certainly wasn’t a part of the plan for him, he’ll need to prove he can help the Arizona Cardinals defense as a rookie — and he’ll do it with a huge chip on his shoulder.

Four Buckeyes selected in first round of 2025 NFL Draft

Ohio State had four players selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. Wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (19th overall), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24th overall), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28th overall) and left tackle Josh Simmons (32nd overall) were taken — two of them heading to the NFC North as Jackson will be in Minnesota while Williams is heading to Detroit. Egbuka was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while Simmons went to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Day Two picks…

Running back Quinshon Judkins went No. 36 overall to the Cleveland Browns. Running TreVeyon Henderson went two picks later at No. 38 to the New England Patriots, and defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau was selected at No. 45 overall by the Indianapolis Colts.

Ohio State players still available

TE Gee Scott Jr.
OT Josh Fryar
OL Seth McLaughlin
QB Will Howard