​Last July, Cardinals edge rusher Jordan Burch, a rookie third-round pick from Oregon, was eagerly anticipating his first NFL training camp and his initial season. That rookie year has now passed, and Burch has identified the areas he wants to sharpen as he moves into his second season. He says he understands what to expect and what to watch for, and after speaking with outside linebackers coach Matt Feeney, he crafted an offseason plan that feels right to him.
“I don’t think anything was a surprise,” Burch said Thursday, July 9, at the Cardinals’ Tempe headquarters. “I kind of know what to prep for, so this offseason I can review my old plays, and then I can call my coach and tell him, from last year to this year, what does he want to see on the field.”
Burch is aiming to elevate his pass rush. He appeared in all 17 games last season, posting five solo tackles with a sack and adding three passes defensed. Much of his early role involved dropping into pass coverage, so he is focused on better recognizing receivers’ routes in 2026. He’ll have the guidance of veteran teammate Josh Sweat, who is available to answer questions about the shared responsibilities at his position.
“Every week, every game, we faced somebody talented,” Burch reflected on the takeaways from last season. “We played against quarterbacks with quick releases. When we were up against teams like the Rams, you could see how fast they got the ball out.”
Beyond on-field improvements, Burch is eager to strengthen his connection with teammates. He has invited several teammates to dinner or to unwind together while watching TV, underscoring his desire to build camaraderie within the group. He remains encouraged by his development as a player throughout his rookie campaign.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will open training camp on Wednesday, July 22, at State Farm Stadium. The camp schedule is a touch earlier than usual because Arizona is set to face the Carolina Panthers in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, on August 6. In other notable news surrounding the franchise, Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald is among the inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, with the ceremony taking place on August 8.
This recap reflects insights from the Arizona Republic’s reporting on Jordan Burch’s rookie year and his forward-looking plan for improvement as he enters his second NFL season.