The Minnesota Vikings traded all the way down from No. 12 overall to the last pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, adding to the intrigue of who they might pick first, with a new coaching staff.
Like many other teams in the first round, they opted for a Georgia defender, landing a hard-hitting safety prospect in Lewis Cine at No. 32 overall.
Cine is an enforcer in the secondary, with major hit potential on every play. He is a true alpha at the position, seeking to lay out ball carriers and receivers alike with great tenacity and a loud smack that can be heard throughout the stadium. He’s quick to diagnose in both the pass and run games, shooting down gaps quickly, and laying the wood.
He is solid in coverage, as well, easily tracking down and keeping with backs in the pass game and receivers underneath. His presence creates hesitation on the part of opposing quarterbacks, who prefer to avoid the big plays he can cause when he’s around the football.
Cine should start right away and quickly earn a leadership role in the Minnesota defense, slotting in opposite All-Pro Harrison Smith. His tenacity and hard-hitting style should be contagious, and set the tone for this regime in Minnesota.
