Cardinals take ILB Cody Simon with 115th pick of draft, CB Denzel Burke with 174th pick, OL Hayden Conner with 211th pick, S Kitan Crawford with 225th pick

Growing up in the Valley, Denzel Burke has long been a Cardinals fan. He can recall watching games from the nosebleeds at State Farm Stadium. He can now call the venue his new home after being selected in the fifth round.

“It was something I always wanted to do,” Burke said. “Especially since (the Cardinals) showed interest for me from the whole pre-draft process. I just felt it was home.”

It’ll also feel like college as well. After spending the last four seasons at Ohio State, he’ll reunite with Marvin Harrison Jr., Paris Johnson Jr., and Cody Simon, the Cardinals fourth-rounder. Burke has also trained with fellow Cardinals cornerback Starling Thomas V for the past couple of seasons.

Burke started every game during his tenure in Columbus. In 51 games, Burke had 31 pass breakups and four interceptions. He becomes the second cornerback drafted by general manager Monti Ossenfort this year, after Michigan corner Will Johnson in the second round.

One of Burke’s traits that Ossenfort appreciated didn’t take place on game days.

“I think another added benefit is the competition that those guys practice against every day,” Ossenfort said. “Nobody has had a tougher assignment in practice the last four year than Denzel Burke, I mean, holy smokes.”

Since 2021, Burkes has lined up against Ohio State first-rounders like Harrison, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emeka Egbuka, and future NFL wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

With 11 other corners on the roster, Burke said he’s ready for the competition.

“I know what it takes to be a complete football player,” Burke said. “I’m chasing to be one of the best corners to ever step foot in the league.”