Denzel Burke: Everything you need to know

Burke tallied 49 tackles (34 solo) and 11 pass defenses (three interceptions) across 17 games for the Cardinals 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 Cardinals' 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 the Cardinals 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 Cardinals' defense for his sophomore campaign.

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.

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.