The Associated Press

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals signed first-round pick Darqueze Dennard to a four-year deal Thursday, bringing their entire draft class under contract.

The cornerback from Michigan State was taken 24th overall. He won the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back.

He’s pegged to a backup role initially with veterans Leon Hall, Terence Newman and Adam “Pacman” Jones returning. Also, Dre Kirkpatrick — a first-round pick two years ago — is ahead of him on the depth chart.

Dennard signed his deal on the final day of the team’s mandatory minicamp. All eight draft picks have agreed to terms.

___

Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.