The final days of training camp are often stressful for players. The unknown of whether or not you make the 53-man roster is a gutwrenching wait for some players. The unfortunate reality of the league that even former first-round picks frequently experience. The same can be said for Lewis Cine. Cine was projected to be a fixture in the Vikings’ secondary after being drafted in the first round in 2022. Unfortunately, Cine’s tenure with the team came to an end on Monday after being released from the team. An unfortunate end for the National Championship game defensive MVP for Georgia in 2021. Fortunately, Cine quickly found a new home signing with the New York Jets. While Cine hasn’t lived up to expectations, he is a young depth piece worthy of giving an opportunity. Should he work well with Jets secondary coach Marquand Manuel, Cine could have a nice second chance.
*Since being published, Lewis Cine has gone on to agree to sign with the Buffalo Bills practice squad*
Source: Lewis Cine is signing with the #Jets.
Former first-round pick starts elsewhere after Minnesota released him Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/oOoZMza70F
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 28, 2024
The Jets Take a Chance on Former Vikings First-Round Pick
As we approach the dying days of training camp, NFL players await their fate of making the final 53-man roster before the regular season begins. Often we see players released or placed on waivers that leave fans shocked. However, Lewis Cine is not one of those players. Once a promising young defensive back and a leader on Georgia’s defense, Cine had a slow start to his NFL career. The Vikings made additions to their secondary room. Including veterans Shaq Griffin and Stephen Gilmore at cornerback. Along with the veteran presence of Harrison Smith, playing time was not available for Lewis Cine.
After a great junior season with 73 total tackles and a National Championship for the Bulldogs, Cine was thought to be a great safety one day. Minnesota selected him with the 32nd overall pick in that year’s draft. Sadly, injuries have plagued the start of his career thus far. He suffered a compound fracture in his lower left leg just four games into his rookie season. As a result, he spent the rest of the year on IR. Such an injury can take a while to recover from, especially in such a grueling position like playing in pass coverage. However, he’s been able to fully recover and has moved well in preseason action. Through three games, Cine had over ten tackles, a sack, and an interception. Perhaps it’s a sign he’s back to the open-field playmaker that made him a favorite of University of Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.
Lewis Cine!!!
SOUL REMOVER SERVICES#DGD #GoDawgs pic.twitter.com/Gcaih0Yd40— Dawg Show Podcast (@TheDawgShowPod) August 17, 2024
How Lewis Cine can help the Jets secondary
With playoff aspirations at the forefront, the New York Jets want to take that next step. Through the past two offseasons, Joe Douglas has assembled a formidable roster on paper. Anchored by a talented defense, New York aspires to ride that momentum into a deep playoff run. Despite his faults, Robert Saleh has proven at the very least to be a talented defensive coach. Equipped with the talented cornerback duo of Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed, the secondary is trying to round out the safety position. After the starting duo of Chuck Clark and Tony Adams, only Isaiah Oliver and Astyn Davis remain as the only true safeties. While Jaylen Key is on the practice squad, it’s not ideal to rely on a 7th-round pick for depth, despite impressing at Alabama.
Thus, the presence of Lewis Cine can be opportunistic for New York. The former Georgia Bulldog displayed great potential in the 2022 National Championship game in 2022. While a work in progress, Cine has the duo of Gardner and Reed to help lean on when on the field. This can allow him to focus less on one-on-one matchups. Thus giving him time to make tackles in the open field. Along with accomplished secondary coach Marquand Manuel on staff, there’s a learning environment that he can take advantage of. At 24 years old, Lewis Cine has time to leave a mark in the league. An opportunity to learn from a great defensive staff and a veteran duo at cornerback to play with, it’s up to him to make the most of this situation.
Main Photo: [Jeffrey Becker] – USA Today Sports
