CINCINNATI -- Knee-deep in the long march to training camp, we're taking a look all this week at seven Cincinnati Bengals who could have breakout seasons in 2015.
Whether it's because of their young age, previous performance or other factors, these players haven't had a chance to become significant pieces of the Bengals' system -- until now. A couple ended up becoming regular contributors late last season, but they could become even bigger household names later this fall. Let's start tracking a few reasons why.
Up first:
Years in NFL: One
Age: 23
When drafted: First round (No. 24 overall), 2014
2014 stats: 7 tackles, 1 sack, 1 pass breakup, 10 special teams tackles
Why he's poised to break out: It's rare to see a team have five first-rounders at one position on its roster, but that was the enviable spot the Bengals found themselves in last year. Each of their top cornerbacks was among the first 24 players taken in his draft. With the loss of veteran Terence Newman during free agency this offseason, that number has fallen to four.
Because of the deep talent pool the Bengals have had at corner in recent years, Dennard and Dre Kirkpatrick have seen relatively little action. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Dennard was part of just 58 defensive snaps as a rookie, although he starred on special teams. One of the byproducts of having so much depth at a position that regularly rotates three players was that Cincinnati ended up having a pair of first-round gunners last season in Dennard and Kirkpatrick. The tandem combined for 19 special teams tackles and helped punter Kevin Huber finish fourth in net punting en route to his first Pro Bowl.
Expectations are high that Dennard could have a breakout year because of how he has approached this offseason. He dropped about 10 pounds this spring and changed his eating habits to do so. As a result, coaches believe he's a little quicker and more explosive than he was in his first season. He also did an admirable job staying with the receivers he was covering in man situations during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp.
Where Dennard's push for playing time could hit a snag rests, once again, in the play of veteran corners like Leon Hall. If Hall ends up having a strong training camp and begins the season showing more of the speed and quickness he regularly exhibited before tearing an Achilles two years ago then Dennard may see relatively little playing time yet again. Similarly, if Kirkpatrick plays an equally key role at the left corner spot, there may be few places Dennard will be able to fit in the Bengals' regular rotation at the position.
There are reasons for Dennard to like his chances, though. Age, injury or some combination of both appears to have slowed Hall. He was often a step slower than he needed to be last season. The 30-year-old spent OTAs and minicamp trying to get it back. With Hall and Adam Jones eligible for free agency next March, the Bengals could start using this season -- depending upon how it goes -- to prepare Dennard and Kirkpatrick for more meaningful roles as they are viewed as the position's future.
