2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Denzel Burke (CB – Ohio State)

FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.

2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Denzel Burke

Denzel Burke (CB – Ohio State)

6-foot-1 | 193 Pounds

Background

A four-star recruit despite missing all but one game of his senior season due to a shoulder injury, Denzel Burke started all 13 games for the Buckeyes as a freshman, finishing with 37 tackles, a pick-six and 12 breakups.

Played in 11 games in each of the following two seasons, with 34 tackles and five breakups in 2022 and 24 tackles, one interception and nine breakups in 2023. Was healthy all year in 2024. Went into the National Championship game with 45 tackles, two interceptions and two breakups.

Positives

A productive four-year starter for a premier program. Has a solid build for the pro boundary corner position. Lined up primarily on the left side during the games reviewed, playing a lot of man coverage. Technically sound corner who has good footwork and balance when playing techniques ranging from press-man to bail/shuffle to off-coverage. Generally matches releases well at the line of scrimmage from press coverage.

Burke shows good balance in his backpedal. Route recognition skills are above average. Has fluid hips and solid speed to stick with opponents in man coverage, using his hands well to feel routes developing. Recovery speed is very impressive to get back in-phase and put himself in a position to make a play on the ball. Does a good job of locating the ball and uses appropriate techniques for the breakup, with nice body control/coordination.

Shows good awareness to recognize screens developing and attack blockers. Willing to stick his nose in as a tackler, and flashes the ability to help set the tone defensively. Made strides as a tackler this past year, recovering his freshman-season form.

Negatives

Rarely gets beaten badly, but has allowed a significantly higher percentage of passes to be completed when targeted this year. Burke’s on-ball production wasn’t the most impressive. Could disrupt more inside breaking routes early, as he is somewhat susceptible to losing the leverage battle on slants, shallow crosses and other patterns of that nature.

More experienced in man coverage. Doesn’t always process route combinations the quickest when playing zone. Can be a tick late to recognize pick plays and break off of his initial man to defend the underneath route. Had issues with missed tackles in his sophomore and junior seasons. Can lapse into trying to trip up or hit opponents rather than wrapping up. Would have liked to see him play some more snaps from the right side of the defense.

Summary

An experienced cornerback who has provided pretty solid play over the past four seasons. Burke offers the technique, footwork, recognition skills and athleticism to cover opposing receivers one-on-one.

While he was never the biggest playmaker in terms of on-ball production, Burke also rarely gives up easy completions when working in man coverage. Consequently, looks like he could draw some second-day interest from man-heavy teams looking for a potential boundary starter.

Projection: Round 3

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