One of the more versatile defenders on the Texas Longhorns roster, defensive end Ethan Burke, is gearing up to make the leap to the professional ranks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.
Though he did not participate in the NFL Combine, Burke has generated interest from NFL front offices and will have a chance to fill a roster spot. His lanky frame, proven special teams production, and run-stopping abilities provide a foundation that can translate to the next level, especially if he can improve his lower body strength and pass-rushing arsenal.
Burke arrived on the Forty Acres as a relatively undeveloped prospect with a nonlinear journey. The local product from Austin Westlake was a star lacrosse player with a family history of cradling the egg and numerous D1 lacrosse offers to match.
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The focus on lacrosse made Burke a late-rising prospect who committed to Michigan, but after a last-minute phone call from the Texas coaching staff, Burke committed to the Longhorns. Since donning burnt orange, Burke has grown into his frame and demonstrated a dedication to improving that has left players and coaches raving about his work ethic.
“Blue collar, man, he’s a blue-collar guy,” Sarkisian said. “I think he has great length, but at the end of the day, the guy’s a mechanic. He goes to work, he rolls his sleeves up, he doesn’t mind getting grimy. He’s always going to find an edge somewhere and he’s got good wits about him — he knows how to play the game.”
The dedication to his craft is highlighted by the bounce-back season that Burke put together in 2025.
After limited reps as a freshman, Burke burst onto the season as a sophomore, posting 41 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Yet, his production fell significantly in 2024 as he played through a knee injury.
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Rather than transfer or mope, Burke refocused in the offseason and saw a return in disruption that resulted in 40 tackles, 26 pressures, 3 sacks, a forced fumble, and a pass defended. According to PFF, Burke also posted career highs in rush defense, pass rushing, and tackling during the 2025 season.
As he prepares for the jump to the NFL, there is a lot to like about the body of work that Burke has put together and the potential that he has yet to unlock.
At 6’6, 269 pounds with nearly 34-inch arms, Burke certainly fulfills the physical dimensions necessary to play in the NFL. And, he often utilizes that length extremely well, making tackles while still engaged with blockers. When you factor in the three blocked kicks on special teams, his appeal only grows.
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Burke’s motor is also top notch. He will routinely chase ball carriers down from behind or make tackles down the field. It doesn’t take much time watching his tape to realize he plays with energy and intensity every down.
With all that being said, Burke isn’t a perfect prospect. As mentioned, he struggled to create disruption during 2024 while playing with a loaded Texas front seven. And Burke isn’t elite off the ball. While his length and upper body strength can compensate for this at times, especially in the run game, his quickness and lack of a pass-rushing arsenal are worrisome.
Currently projected as a Day 3 pick or priority undrafted free agent, Burke remains firmly in the mix to hear his name called and has a strong chance of making a roster. Between his relentless motor, run-stopping abilities, and impact on special teams, there’s plenty to like about his chances to carve out a role at the next level.
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