'I want to be a top-10 pick': Denzel Burke announces date for 2024 decision
ARLINGTON, Texas — Denzel Burke believes the Ohio State secondary brought its “Best in America” status back by midseason. But the Buckeyes still haven’t beaten Michigan or won a Big Ten Championship during his three-year career.
Those two scarlet and gray items are factoring into the cornerback’s decision about his future, as is his potential NFL Draft position.
It’s a decision he’s made but not one he’s making public until Jan. 10.
“I want to be a top-10 pick,” Burke said Tuesday in AT&T Stadium. “And not only that but to have something to show for it down the road — to be able to show my kids and my family when I was at Ohio State, we won something.
“That’s playing a big factor for me.”
Burke is currently projected by ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. as the No. 7 cornerback prospect in next year’s draft. Only one Ohio State player is listed in Kiper’s latest top-25 Big Board, and that’s Biletnikoff Award-winning receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Burke is playing in the Cotton Bowl against No. 9 Missouri on Dec. 29 and will get a chance to showcase his talent against an impressive Tigers receiving corps, including standout slot wideout Luther Burden III.
But to land in the top 10 of the draft, Burke would almost certainly need to return to Ohio State for one more season.
He’s well aware of the variance in financial earnings between top-10 picks and fringe first-round picks.
“It’s a big money swing,” Burke said.
He added: “It’s a big factor for me and a big factor in my decision.”
Burke isn’t just suiting up for the Cotton Bowl for his own sake, though. Just like his potential return, him participating in the postseason is about Ohio State, too.
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“To finish the season out with my brothers,” Burke said, when asked why he’s playing in the Cotton Bowl. “Extra game on tape for the scouts and stuff like that. Just finish the season off strong and have momentum going into next year for next year’s team.”
Burke emerged as one of the most improved Buckeyes players this year after adopting what he called a “pro approach” this past offseason. That mindset shift came with Burke showing up early, leaving late and, as he says, “moving” differently off the field.
After a sophomore season that was initially riddled by injury, Burke had a head-turning start to his junior campaign, allowing six receptions for 73 yards on 18 targets through four games, according to Pro Football Focus. He went on to earn midseason All-American honors from The Athletic.
Although Burke missed two games in the back half of the year, first against Penn State and then at Rutgers, he finished the regular season back in the lineup.
“Denzel has really upgraded his game this year,” Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said Tuesday. “I think he’s becoming an elite corner, a guy who can match up against anyone. He is playing more aggressively. He’s playing with a lot of confidence.
“I think he’s made tremendous strides since last season.”
The prospect of what Burke could do with a full slate of games in Year Four, however, is intriguing — not only for his draft stock but also for the Buckeyes.
He’ll put the speculation about his future to rest on Jan. 10.
