2014 NFL mock draft: Darqueze Dennard to Cleveland Browns at No. 26

Chris Pokorny of Dawgs By Nature took Auburn tackle Greg Robinson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2014 SB Nation NFL Writers Mock Draft. He did so with two quarterbacks (Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel) already off the board. Since then, two more quarterbacks (Blake Bortles, Derek Carr) have also been picked. With quarterback looking unlikely here, which direction will Mr. Pokorny lean with the Browns’ second of three picks in our mock draft?

”I was originally thinking wide receiver with this pick, but there are still several available and I think I can push that back to the No. 35 pick. Next on my agenda for the Browns was a cornerback or an inside linebacker. I like the physical nature of Dennard, with the ability to play press-man coverage and the competitive attitude he brings to the field. He would be an impact defensive player in year one of Mike Pettine’s defense.

“The Browns are expected to lock up Joe Haden to an extension soon, and the combination of Haden-Dennard could give the Browns one of the best one-two cornerback punches in the NFL. The pick would also address the Browns’ need for a nickel corner, since Buster Skrine has excelled in that role in the past and can move down into that position from the starting lineup. Having a secondary with Haden, Dennard, Skrine and Donte Whitner would also alleviate the perceived weakness at the free safety position (Tashaun Gipson).”

Although cornerback is a big need for the Browns, the position could be viewed the same way as wide receiver in regard to depth. At that point it comes to down value and how the players are rated. Would Dennard grade out higher than, say, Southern California wide receiver Marqise Lee? For us here at MtD, Dennard is rated higher. But by that token, TCU cornerback Jason Verrett is rated higher than Dennard. In other words, the choice of Dennard can’t be faulted too much. Verrett is just a better player.