Arizona Cardinals made a pivotal decision by placing cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting on the non-football injury reserve, effectively ending his 2025 season. This strategic move opens opportunities for the Cardinals, particularly for rookies Will Johnson and Denzel Burke, who now have increased chances of making meaningful contributions this season. Prior to this, the Cardinals bolstered their cornerback depth through the acquisition of veteran Asante Samuel Jr. and the drafting of two promising cornerbacks, showing foresight in their defense plans.

Murphy-Bunting’s contract situation also benefits the Cardinals financially, as they are no longer obligated to pay his nearly $7.7 million salary for the season. With Garrett Williams emerging as a star and Max Melton expected to take on a larger role, the team's defensive strategy appears to be aligning for a dynamic 2025. This off-season transition reflects a proactive approach, similar to their prior strategic moves involving other key roster players.

Denzel Burke, the Arizona Cardinals' fifth-round draft pick, has signed his rookie contract ahead of the upcoming minicamp. The contract, worth $4,520,216 over four years, includes a signing bonus of $320,216 and will see him earn minimum base salaries that escalate from $840,000 in the first year to $1.235 million by the final year. His contract contains a full split clause for the first two years, which could affect his earnings if he lands on injured reserve.

Burke, who played his college football at Ohio State, brings considerable experience, having started 51 games there—setting a school record for a defensive back. The Cardinals hope that his skills will bolster their secondary as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The Arizona Cardinals selected cornerback Denzel Burke with their fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his path to making the roster is jeopardized by stiff competition. The Cardinals currently have several established cornerbacks including Sean Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Williams. Burke, while possessing special teams experience, faces a tough uphill battle to secure a spot.

Best-case scenario, Burke joins as a depth player on special teams while mostly remaining inactive. The team's depth chart could further complicate matters for the rookie if they opt to keep all current players.

The Atlanta Falcons' recent draft strategy has pivoted towards enhancing their pass rush, marking a notable shift in their approach to building a competitive roster. By selecting versatile players like Jalon Walker, who has drawn comparisons to Micah Parsons, and James Pearce Jr., they are targeting immediate contributors capable of disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Walker's confidence as a defensive leader is expected to fuel his performance, while Pearce's quick first step and diverse skill set make him a threat off the edge.

Additionally, the Falcons have fortified their secondary with picks like Xavier Watts and Billy Bowman Jr., both of whom excel at creating turnovers, posing a challenge for NFC South quarterbacks. The selection of offensive lineman Jack Nelson aims to provide Michael Penix Jr. additional protection. Moreover, the signing of undrafted free agents like Cobee Bryant and Nick Nash could further bolster their roster with hidden gems. Nash’s standout college stats highlight his potential to add depth to an already talented receiving corps.

The Arizona Cardinals made another strategic move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting cornerback Denzel Burke from Ohio State. This marks the seventh cornerback picked by the team in the past three years, indicating a focused commitment to bolstering their secondary. Burke, a local product and a four-year starter, will join a crowded cornerback room that includes established starters like Sean Murphy-Bunting and Garrett Williams. However, with multiple recent draft picks and a lack of offensive focus in this draft, questions arise about Burke's immediate role on the team and whether they neglected other critical positions.