Darqueze Dennard will likely open the season as a backup, despite standing out at OTAs and minicamp, ESPN.com's Coley Harvey reports.

Dennard will likely open the season as a backup, despite standing out at OTAs and minicamp, ESPN.com's Coley Harvey reports.

Analysis:

The 24th overall pick in last year's draft, Dennard barely made it onto the field as a rookie. The Bengals still have a crowded cornerback group, and they've repeatedly shown deference to veterans at the position. Dre Kirkpatrick, a 2012 first-round pick, enters training camp as the favorite for a starting spot for the first time. Leon Hall and Adam Jones are also expected to handle significant roles, but both are on the downsides of their careers, and Dennard might prove too good to keep off the field. Although Dennard could step into a starting role, neither he nor the other Cincinnati corners warrant serious IDP consideration.