Darqueze Dennard (Michigan St.) - 2014 NFL Draft Pick #24 by CIN
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Darqueze Dennard
Player Profile:
- Name: Darqueze Dennard
- College: Michigan State University
- Position: Cornerback
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 199 lbs
Strengths:
- Exceptional man coverage skills, demonstrating the ability to stay close to receivers.
- Physical at the line of scrimmage, capable of disrupting routes and pressuring receivers.
- Strong tackling ability, not shying away from contact and willing to support the run defense.
- High football IQ, showing good instincts and awareness on the field.
- Experience in a pro-style defense, which aids in transition to the NFL.
Weaknesses:
- Height may limit his effectiveness against taller, more physical receivers.
- Occasional struggles with deep ball tracking, leading to potential big plays against him.
- Can be overly aggressive at times, which may result in penalties or missed assignments.
Overall Assessment:
Darqueze Dennard is one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft. His combination of physicality, coverage skills, and football intelligence make him a valuable asset for any team in need of defensive back help. While he has some limitations in terms of height, his skill set and experience in a competitive college program position him as a potential first-round pick.
Projected Draft Position:
First Round - Teams looking for a shutdown corner will likely prioritize Dennard early in the draft.