2014 DBN Mock Draft: Pittsburgh Steelers Select CB Darqueze Dennard at No. 15

With the 15th pick in the 2014 Dawgs By Nature Community Mock Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select...

Darqueze Dennard, CB, Michigan State

This selection and write-up was made by Siberian Husky:

In Dick LeBeau's zone blitz scheme, defensive backs must be both physical and versatile. Darqueze Dennard, arguably the cream of this draft's cornerback crop, has the cover skills, awareness, anticipation and physicality to shine in LeBeau's defense.

Pittsburgh's starters, presently, are Ike Taylor and William Gay. Together, they combined for one interception and 21 passes defensed in 2013 (both played 16 games). To put that in perspective, Joe Haden snagged four interceptions and defensed 20 passes in 15 games. Taylor turns 35 next May, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this coming season.

There's also a learning curve to LeBeau's scheme. Drafting Dennard now allows the Steelers to not have to force him speedily into a starting role, but rather to smoothly embark upon a transition towards their defensive backfield of the future.

I'm a fan of Dennard -- that's why I took him at No. 26 for the Browns in the writer's mock draft. Chances are, he's not going to fall that low because somebody like the Steelers will grab him. I can't argue with the pick; Pittsburgh needs to stop drafting offensive linemen, because they keep getting undesirable production. With Taylor way past his prime, a cornerback is the route to go for Pittsburgh.

The Dallas Cowboys are up next, led by Royce Groff.

2014 DBN Community Mock Draft Results (so far)