Arkansas Bengal Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 Dre Kirkpatrick finally poised to be Bengals starter in fourth season 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. After exploring Darqueze Dennard's promise for a breakout year on Monday, Rex Burkhead's potential for an expanded role on Tuesday, Will Clarke's ability to possibly help a fledgling pass rush on Wednesday, the comparatively high climb AJ McCarron made up the depth chart on Thursday, Friday's piece on Jeremy Hill's push to break more tackles and be even more relevant this season, and Saturday's item on Brandon Thompson being a key run-stopping asset, we close with: CB DRE KIRKPATRICK Years in NFL: Three Age: 25 When drafted: First round (No. 17 overall), 2012 2014 stats: 14 defensive tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 defensive touchdown, 2 pass breakups, 9 special teams tackles Why he's poised to break out: Kirkpatrick proudly proclaimed several weeks ago that he was the Bengals' starter at the left cornerback position. In his mind, there are no ifs, ands or buts about it. As much as Dennard might have pushed him in the spring, Kirkpatrick knew unequivocally that when the season begins, he will be the player getting regular snaps at the position. After all, Kirkpatrick was the one being treated as the starter there during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp. He consistently received first-team reps at the left boundary corner, even if Dennard mixed in for an occasional snap with other starters here and there. If Kirkpatrick does begin the season in the starting rotation, he has every opportunity in the world to break out. As long as he performs throughout this season the way he did in the spring and late last year, then he could be the Bengals' top breakout player of 2015. Expectations are high for Kirkpatrick. One of the players who had been blocking his path onto the field, veteran Terence Newman, is no longer in the picture. Signed by Minnesota in free agency, the 36-year-old's departure opened the spot atop the Bengals' cornerback rotation. With the promise of Kirkpatrick and Dennard, it didn't seem likely Newman would be re-signed. Adam Jones and slot corner Leon Hall face similar contract uncertainty after this season when they become free agents next March. Although Jones has recently played as if he's in the prime of his career, Hall clearly was a step slower last season as he tried to bounce back from a season-ending Achilles tear the year before. If one or both of the veteran corners leaves during free agency, it will be a sign Kirkpatrick and Dennard performed extraordinarily well in 2015, and that Bengals ownership has faith the youngsters truly are the future at the position. Kirkpatrick is believed to be on the cusp of a breakout year in large part because of his play late in 2014. Brought off the bench to relieve a struggling Newman late in the Week 16 Monday night game against Denver, Kirkpatrick impressed when he intercepted Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning twice in the game's final three minutes. One of the pick-offs was returned for a touchdown, and the other sealed the key win in a driving rainstorm. Hope is high the starter Kirkpatrick can pull off similar feats this year. http://espn.go.com/blog/cincinnati-bengals/post/_/id/17852/bengals-dre-kirkpatrick-cornerback-starter-fourth-season-poised-breakout-year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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