Within recent memory, Ohio State has been a school to pump out top end NFL talent. Burke since day 1 at OSU has had high expectations and given the Buckeyes high hopes. Denzel was a 4-star recruit that made an immediate impact in the Ohio State secondary, which was the first time a freshman had done that in over 20 years, earning All-American honors.
The ceiling is high on a guy like Burke, but there have been some concerns with his play in 2024. Recording 19 tackles and 2 INTs could make a head turn to thinking he may not be getting targets often. With that being said, Burke has had his name called for the wrong reasons in some fairly big games this year. He allowed double digit catches for well over 100 yards vs Oregon, and has seemed to regress slightly since his underclassman years.
PLAYER INFO
Name: Denzel Burke
Jersey #: 10
Position: Cornerback
School: Ohio State
Class: Senior
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 193 lbs
Denzel Burke’s Strengths
Burke works better in press schemes in my projection. He has quicker hips and solid length to help guide the WR off track on their routes.
Solid overall ball skills over his collegiate career. Plays through the ball and shows solid timing when the receiver gets his hands on it in tight coverage.
Aware of run vs pass fairly quick and not afraid to set an edge.
Denzel Burke’s Weaknesses
Struggles keeping up with quicker athletes and double moves. He is athletic but does not show ability to follow out of scheme.
Regressing technique in off man coverage. His feet fail him as he is now worried about getting beat deep, giving up long crossers and comeback routes.
Gives minimal value in securing tackles in coverage. Rarely is he capable of tackling from behind or being within a range to sweep the leg.
Draft Projection
Burke was someone coming into the year that I expected to get into that 17-25 range. He has all the tools and has showed over time in his collegiate career. As he has struggled his senior year against top talent, I see him more now as a mid-day 2 prospect. It is not quite a Penn State CB drop off, but he has not improved stock in 2024.
A high upside CB I see Burke being capable of turning into is Paulson Adebo. I really see a fit in him going into a NO type scheme as a project 2nd round CB like Kool-Aid turned out to be. Some teams of value at the middle to back end of round 2 could be a Denver or Indianapolis.
