Buckeyes Denzel Burke Looking Like Future First-Round Cornerback Following Notre Dame Win

Denzel Burke could be a household name in NFL draft circles moving into October.

Denzel Burke planned for a breakout season at Ohio State that would catch the attention of NFL scouts. 

So far, he's been proving to be a name to monitor as a potential Day 1 draft steal come April 2024. 

Burke has flourished in Year 2 of Jim Knowles' defense through the first four games of the 2023 regular season. He's totaled more pass breakups (4) than tackles (2) and is an interception away (1) from tying his stops this past season. 

But why the reason for so few tackles? Simple; quarterbacks look in the opposite direction. When lined up in shotgun snaps, they peer to No. 10 in coverage downfield and elect to keep the ball away from his reach. 

Saturday's 17-14 win over No. 9 Notre Dame might be the moment that solidified his status as a potential early selection as a sticky cover corner who knows how to attack in the air. Sam Hartman only threw his way once in man coverage, which led to an incomplete pass on second down. 

Through four games, quarterbacks have only thrown his way 18 times, resulting in six catches for 73 total yards. He's currently the third-highest-rated defender on the Buckeyes' defensive staff, posting a Pro Football Focus grade of 80.4.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day talks to quarterback Kyle McCord (6) in the second quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium.  / Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

For years, Ohio State donned the title of "DBU," challenging programs like Alabama, LSU and Georgia for their ability to punch out future Day 1 starters at the next level. Names like Denzel Ward, Marshon Lattimore, Malik Hooker, Gareon Conley, and Eli Apple all called Columbus home before eventually hearing their name called on a Thursday night to join the NFL. 

But the Buckeyes have lacked star power in the secondary that's transitioned to the NFL as a rising star. Jeff Okudah, one of Ohio State's top defenders in the 21st century, was the last defensive back drafted on Day 1, which came back in 2020. 

Burke and Okudah mirror each other well based on their play. As a freshman, Burke never allowed a touchdown in coverage. He's back to that status through one-third of the season after allowing three during his sophomore season. 

Okudah never allowed a touchdown in coverage as a freshman back in 2017. And while he allowed two combined scores during his final two seasons on campus, he also allowed less than 300 yards in coverage each season. 

Burke has the second half of the season to go, but there's reason to believe he could be ending a three-year drought for defensive backs in Columbus hearing their names called outside the first round. He's played like an All-American through four games. 

It's time to see if Burke can play like a future No. 1 cornerback on Sundays the rest of the way.