Drafted in the fifth round (129th overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft by Cleveland out of Syracuse, Rob Burnett established himself as an edge anchor over six seasons in Ohio, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 1994. When the organization relocated to Maryland in 1996, Burnett made the move, providing the Baltimore Ravens with six additional years of steady leadership and heavy-handed edge play.

Burnett utilized traditional power tactics, leveraging his length and keen diagnostic skills. Playing at left defensive end, he focused on establishing a solid edge against the run, employing strong hands to control offensive tackles before disengaging to make plays. As a pass rusher, he collapsed pockets with a quick, violent speed-to-power rush, creating openings for blitzing linebackers and recording double-digit sacks.

Burnett joined Baltimore's first 1996 lineup as a main starter, posting 4.0 sacks and helping stabilize a rebuilding defense. During his initial four seasons with the team, he offered a steady veteran influence alongside emerging pass rushers such as Peter Boulware, regularly creating pocket pressure and maintaining the edge.

His standout season came during the historic 2000 championship run. As the leader of a defense that allowed a record-low 165 points, Burnett made a significant impact with 10.5 sacks, five fumble recoveries, and his only career interception. His persistent effort and ability to pressure the quarterback earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors.

He ended that legendary year by starting every postseason game, culminating in a dominant showing in Super Bowl XXXV, where he made an important sack against Kerry Collins to secure Baltimore's 34–7 win.

Burnett returned for one final year in 2001, starting 14 games and adding 3.5 sacks to help Baltimore return to the postseason. After that campaign, salary-cap pressures forced Baltimore to part ways with the veteran edge rusher, leading to two final seasons with Miami before his retirement. In his six seasons as a Raven, Burnett started 82 regular-season games, recording 26.5 sacks, 186 solo tackles, seven forced fumbles, and eight fumble recoveries.