Vikings: Grading the Lewis Cine pick
The Minnesota Vikings selected Lewis Cine with the No. 32 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Who is he, and how well did Kwesi Adofo-Mensah do with this selection?
There was a lot of talk about who the Vikings should pick. Should it have been Dererk Stingley Jr.? Sauce Garnder? Tyler Linderbaum? Well, since none of those guys were available by pick 32, the Vikings went in the direction of Cine.
Whether you like the Vikings trading back is a discussion for another day, but Minnesota was able to land a talented safety. They could also land a good player at pick 34. Here’s how the trade breaks down.
Cine was a part of that mean, rugged and deadly Georgia Bulldogs defense, and it’s the reason they won a National Championship.
Pro Football Focus rated him as their No. 2 safety in the draft, and there’s a lot to like about him. He’s a hard hitter, and to put it in simpler terms, he’s a dawg.
Pros:
- Solid frame: 6’2″ 196 pounds
- Physical
- Great speed: 4.37 40-yard dash
- Great tackler
- Great vision
Cons:
- Change of direction
- Man coverage skills
- flat-footed
In 2021, he finished with a PFF grade of 82.4, which ranked 42nd/749. PFF compares him to Adrian Amos, and when you watch the film, it makes complete sense. Cine is a great tackler, who isn’t afraid to hit you hard.
What is a little concerning was his grade against Alabama in their first meeting. The Crimson Tide is the most NFL-ready team in college football, and he finished with a grade of 37.2 (lowest all season).
Luckily, he looked a lot better in the second meeting against Alabama in the National Championship game.
Last season, he finished with 73 tackles and one interception.
Minnesota needs safety help with Xavier Woods gone, and Cine should be a starter on day-one. Camryn Bynum won’t like this pick, but long-term, this might end up being the best decision this front office will make. Time will tell, but Cine could end up being the next All-Pro safety in purple and gold.
Grade: B
