Being a first round pick is often seen as entitlement to a starting job, at least by most fans and often the media. Darqueze Dennard is in an odd situation in Cincinnati in regards to 2014. The Bengals cornerback roster is littered with talented cornerbacks. Terence Newman, Adam Jones, Leon Hall, and Dre Kirkpatrick were all established cornerbacks, to some degree, in Cincinnati prior to Dennard being selected.

Hall, the most talented, was the nickel cornerback in the nickel defense and was injured for much of last season, but will certainly be back as one of the best nickel corners in the league. Newman and Jones are established as starters, but Newman is 35 years old and his contract ends after the 2014 season. Likewise, Jones’ contract is up after the 2015 season and will be 32 by then. Lastly, Kirkpatrick was a Bengals first round pick just two years ago, but has struggled to get on his feet after an injury that restricted him from playing most of his rookie year. That being said, he took a fair amount of snaps per game when Hall was out. He may have been a recent first round pick, but he is not entitled to a starting job when Newman leaves.

In regards to Dennard’s role in 2014, he will likely be a quiet rookie. Though he has the ability to start, it is unnecessary. With the plethora of veteran cornerbacks on the roster, the Bengals are not forced to throw Dennard, who may have issues transitioning to the less lenient pass interference rules of the NFL, into the fire. Newman and Jones seem to be the base cornerbacks with Hall in the slot. Even if a rotational cornerback is needed, Kirkpatrick has shown some promise that will get him playing time over Dennard. Dennard may be the better player, but it is the third season for Kirkpatrick, a former first round pick, and it is time for him to get the opportunity to prove his worth.

Again, do not mistake Dennard’s possible lack of playing time for inability. Aside from Hall, who is best fit as a nickel corner anyway, Dennard may be the most naturally talented cornerback on the roster. Although, like any rookie at any position, transitioning to the NFL is not an easy task for Dennard. To be in a situation where he can be groomed and refine his game is more beneficial than it is hindering, yet him being sat to do such refining will likely be seen as him “underperforming and not being able to earn his starting spot,” or something of the like.

Schematically and culturally, Dennard is a perfect fit for Cincinnati due to his ability to thrive as a press cornerback. Again, Dennard may not be playing much, but that is not related to natural talent. The Bengals are fortunate enough to have established pieces to be able to allow Dennard to transition more easily and smoothly to the NFL. Dennard was an investment in the future, not an immediate impact player. Do not be surprised if the Bengals are trashed for not playing him, or him trashed for not being talented enough to play, but in the long run, he will prove to be a wonderful investment.