The Arizona Cardinals expected to get some production on defense from some of their draft picks. After all, there were high hopes for their top two picks — defensive lineman Walter Nolen and cornerback Will Johnson.
Johnson even made the PFWA All-Rookie team.
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However, the rookie who might have had the biggest impact was drafted on Day 3, and he was named by PFF the Cardinals’ secret superstar of 2025, the most underrated player for the team.
CB Denzel Burke overperformed expectations
Burke’s rookie season was a roller coaster. The fifth-round pick was asked to handle a heavy workload, and despite that responsibility, he allowed just three touchdowns — with two coming against Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua. He surrendered more than 25 receiving yards to only three wide receivers all year and recorded three interceptions to lead all rookie cornerbacks.
The plan wasn’t for Burke to play much. The Cardinals had 2024 second-round pick Max Melton, 2025 second-round pick Will Johnson and Garrett Williams, who was a stud in the slot in 2024. That group looked like it would be good.
However, they never really played together.
The trio was rarely healthy together.
Enter Burke. While Johnson made the All-Rookie team, Burke broke up more passes (11 to Johnson’s 10) and had more interceptions (three to zero). His play ultimately relegated Melton to the bench late in the year.
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Will that continue in 2026?
That will remain to be seen. There will be a new coaching staff.
Johnson is promising. Melton probably will bounce back, but Burke will likely have to play a big role in 2026, as Williams tore his Achilles and will miss much of next season.
Perhaps he won’t be as secret then.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: CB Denzel Burke was Arizona Cardinals’ secret superstar