How Lewis Cine Fits With The Vikings

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Christopher Smith (29) celebrates with defensive back Lewis Cine (16) after an interception against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the third quarter during the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports

With the #32 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Lewis Cine, the safety out of the University of Georgia.

Lewis Cine is a hard-hitting safety with exceptional speed. The 6’2, 199 pound 22-year-old ran a scorching 4.37 40-yard dash at the combine. This rare combination of size and speed gives him the range to ball hawk and the physicality to make huge hits. The diversity of his skillset gives him the ability to play as a free safety roaming the middle of the field or as a strong safety in the box.

While at the University of Georgia, Cine notched 95 solo tackles and two interceptions in three seasons. According to PFF, Cine only missed 11 tackles on 159 attempts. He recorded six solo tackles and one tackle for a loss in the National Championship game, earning him the defensive MVP award.

New general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seemed pleased with the selection, calling Cine an “incredibly dynamic player.” He also mentioned that the Vikings began targeting Cine “starting in the teens.” This means Kwesi and the Vikings believe they found value with the #32 selection.

Kevin O’Connell echoed Kwesi’s sentiment, saying that the Cine pick was of great value and that they “would have taken [him] a lot higher.”

With the departure of Xavier Woods, Cine will have the opportunity to compete with Camryn Bynum for the starting safety position alongside Harrison Smith.

The Vikings made the Lewis Cine selection after trading out of the #12 slot to move back to #32 overall. By trading back, the Vikings passed over highly-touted safety Kyle Hamilton, who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens at #15. Because of this decision, Hamilton and Cine will likely be compared against each other for the next several years.

While the Vikings may have lost value on the trade back, this was still a good selection. Cine is a sure tackler, a hard-hitter, an elite athlete, and an overall good football player. However, the draft is just beginning – there is plenty more work to do. Minnesota is now only one pick away from making another selection, as the Vikings will be back on the board tonight with the #34 overall pick.



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