First Reaction: Cincinnati Bengals Select Darqueze Dennard

Dec 7, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans cornerback Darqueze Dennard (31) breaks up a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Devin Smith (9) during the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With the 24th pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Darqueze Dennard, cornerback, Michigan State.

With those words, the Bengals officially have their first addition of the 2014 NFL Draft. With a couple of corners coming off the board early, there was some question as to whether or not one of the top players would make it to them. As it turns out, one did, and it was the top cornerback on my board in the draft. Dennard dropped a little behind the more athletic corners in Justin Gilbert and Kyle Fuller, and the Bengals didn’t waste any time in grabbing him.

Cincinnati needed some additions in the secondary with age catching up to Adam Jones and Terence Newman. They drafted Dre Kirkpatrick a few years ago, and he improved last year, so the team would love to see Dennard and Kirkpatrick develop into a dynamic duo for the foreseeable future in the secondary. Dennard loves to play man-to-man, and up on opposing receivers. He’s also a plus in the run game, willing to take on blockers and bring down ball carriers. Bengals fans are going to see a player who contributes early and could be starting sooner rather than later.